Congressional Testimony Part I: Get on the Bicycle

Litigation attorney Daniel Small and Public Policy & Regulation attorney Christopher Armstrong co-authored a Corporate Compliance Insights article providing a comprehensive guide on how corporate leaders can reduce legal, reputational and policy risk when preparing to testify before Congress. This first installment of a three-part series introduces three pillars of effective testimony – preparation, messaging and discipline – and explains why relying on instinct or spontaneity can create avoidable exposure in a forum shaped by politics and soundbites. The article combines Mr. Small's knowledge as one of the country's foremost voices in witness preparation with Mr. Armstrong's extensive government experience and leadership of Holland & Knight's Congressional Investigations Team. It emphasizes that real preparation requires mastering the facts, anticipating difficult questions and conducting realistic dry runs so witnesses can deliver clear, consistent answers under pressure.

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