What could be an unintended effect of showing anger or frustration during testimony?

Showing anger or frustration during testimony can indeed convey a sense of a lack of control, particularly in situations that require calmness and rationality. When a witness exhibits strong emotions, it can lead jurors to question their credibility and reliability. Instead of being seen as a poised and authoritative figure, the witness may be viewed as someone who is emotionally unstable or reactive, which can undermine their statements about the incident in question. This perception can be especially damaging in a courtroom setting, where a level of detachment is often expected to ensure that testimony is evaluated based on facts rather than emotional responses.

Other effects such as enhancing credibility or garnering jury sympathy are often contingent on the context and the manner of presentation. Similarly, showing anger does not logically lead to a shorter duration of cross-examination; rather, it could invite further probing as attorneys may want to explore the emotional state and its implications for the testimony provided.