Direct examination lies at the heart of every trial. That is where the parties tell their story. But while law libraries abound with books about cross-examination, few writers address direct examination.

So how can lawyers improve their direct examinations to elicit a story that persuades? Here are three ways: Know your client; develop the plot that underlies the case; and lead your witness (yes, lead) through the plot so the jurors, judge or arbitrator can follow.