Congressional Testimony Part III: Slow the Train Down Before It Runs You Over

Litigation attorney Daniel Small and Public Policy & Regulation attorney Christopher Armstrong co-authored a Corporate Compliance Insights article concluding their three-part series on effective congressional testimony by focusing on the third pillar: discipline. Drawing on Mr. Small's deep experience in witness preparation and Mr. Armstrong's leadership of Holland & Knight's Congressional Investigations Team, the piece presents practical techniques to help witnesses maintain control in a process built for speed and sound bites, including deliberately slowing the pace of exchanges, remaining "relentlessly polite" in the face of provocation, and declining to answer questions that are unclear or loaded with disputed assumptions. The authors also outline concrete ways to respond to common questioning tactics, from paraphrasing and "yes or no" traps to requests for clarification, so testimony stays accurate, measured and aligned with the witness' core message.

For additional context, read Part I and Part II.

READ: Congressional Testimony Part III: Slow the Train Down Before It Runs You Over