When we prepare witnesses for direct and cross examination, we often say that testifying is just like playing the game of baseball. Once the uproarious laughter stops, we explain as follows …

Direct examination (when you’re being questioned by your lawyer) is like being at bat. Your goal is to get on base and help your team score runs. You don’t need to score all the runs by yourself. You don’t need to swing for the fences with every pitch. Don’t swing at a bad pitch. Striking out hurts the team. Yelling at the umpire and getting kicked out of the game is a terrible idea.