What Makes an Argument Truly Persuasive? 5 Principles Every Great Argument Shares

Most people think a persuasive argument is one that proves the other person wrong. It isn’t. The best arguments do something more difficult: they make another person want to accept your conclusion. That requires more than facts, confidence, or…
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7 Things You Should Never Say During a Deposition

A deposition can determine the direction of a lawsuit long before anyone walks into a courtroom. You are under oath, a court reporter is creating a transcript of what you say, and opposing counsel is looking for testimony that can later be used again…
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Nobody Cares What Actually Happened (Here's Why Innocent People Lose)

When someone is falsely accused of misconduct, the first reaction is often disbelief: Once they hear my side, they’ll understand what really happened. That assumption is understandable, but it can also be dangerous. Whether the accusation involves…
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Should You Take a Plea Bargain? 7 Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Before reading this article, watch my video below to learn the seven questions everyone should ask before accepting or rejecting a plea bargain. One decision can affect your freedom, your career, and your future for years to come. A plea bargain may…
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3 Decisions You Should Never Make Emotionally

Before reading this article, watch my video below to learn why some of the worst decisions people make happen in the first 24 hours after an accusation—and how staying calm can protect your education, career, and reputation. When people find themse…
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Why Smart People Make Terrible Decisions

Before reading this article, watch my video below to learn why intelligence alone is not enough to make good decisions—and how even highly successful students, faculty members, and professionals can make mistakes that permanently affect their caree…
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Why Innocent People Aren't Always Believed: 3 Psychological Mistakes

One of the most frustrating experiences during a university investigation is knowing you are telling the truth while feeling that no one believes you. Students and faculty members often assume that innocence speaks for itself. They believe that if th…
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7 Times You Should Never Admit Misconduct

When people are accused of misconduct, they often feel enormous pressure to make the situation go away. They believe that if they simply apologize, accept responsibility, or admit wrongdoing, the investigation will end more quickly or the punishment…
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7 Times You Should Accept Responsibility Instead of Fighting Everything

When people are accused of misconduct, their first instinct is often to deny everything. They challenge every allegation, dispute every witness, and fight every factual issue, believing that admitting even a small mistake will destroy their case. Iro…
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10 Things You Should Never Say to Police (Even If You're Innocent)

Most people believe that if they have done nothing wrong, speaking freely to the police can only help. Unfortunately, that assumption has led countless innocent people into legal trouble. Police officers are trained to gather information, assess cred…
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