Elaboration Likelihood Model Paper

2147 Words9 Pages

Expert witnesses and their importance in creating an influential and persuasive argument
Nathan J. Sommi
Kanas State University
5/1/2015

Abstract

How do you convince someone you are an expert? Is it the language you use? The terminology you use in explanations? The confidence you display? The title you hold? These are all questions that a lawyer must take into consideration when he or she puts an expert witness on the stand. This paper will delve into the different elements that make an expert witness influential and persuasive to judges and juries alike, mainly focusing on how important establishing credibility, the Elaboration Likelihood Model’s influential ability, vivid narratives, and how leadership and …show more content…

ELM is a dual process model that emphasizes two routes to persuasion and is centered on the idea that as individuals we are cognitive misers, or that individuals think the bare amount. The first route is the central route: attitudes are changed by having the motivation and ability to be able to process complex information, and is heavily based on evidence and logic. The second route is the Peripheral route: Where the individual lacks the motivation and ability to process the information and instead uses heuristic, mental shortcuts, to decide on their belief (The Effects of Structural and Grammatical Variables on Persuasion: An Elaboration Likelihood Model Perspective, pg. 350). Depending on the type of trial, it is important to keep the ELM model in mind for trial …show more content…

A position of leadership or authority, and the power associated with it can lead to a view of unmistakable credibility. In communication studies, power is defined as the ability to influence others (Leadership: A communication perspective, pg. 136). Leadership is impossible without power; therefore it is important to choose an expert witness that carries a lot of power with them.
There are five main types of power used, but the focus should be a leader who can use legitimate power (positional power), expert power which is based on credibility and credentials, and/or referent power, or someone who is admired by many others and depends on feelings of affection, esteem, and respect (Leadership: A communication perspective, pg. 141). When a expert witness is challenged during the cross-examination, the opposing attorney will more than likely ask questions to make the expert seem less