The Perils of, and Tips for, Testifying in a Congressional Oversight Hearing

Congressional Investigations attorney Christopher Armstrong and litigation attorney Dan Small co-authored an article for the Compliance and Ethics Professionals (CEP) Magazine exploring witness preparation for a congressional oversight hearing. The authors explain that a combination of a divided Congress, less policy decision making by committees and an increasingly performative atmosphere to hearings have all led to a rise in the number of investigations and oversight hearings. The article covers common mistakes by witnesses, including talking too quickly, acting defensively or in hostile manner, answering a question not fully understood and proffering too much information. It also emphasizes the importance of preparation with an experienced team so that a witness enters the hearing room prepared, responsive and, ultimately, not worthy of social media.

READ: The Perils of, and Tips for, Testifying in a Congressional Oversight Hearing

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