Accurate Descriptions

When describing a person:

• Share any characteristics such as tattoos, birthmarks, etc. that will make a person stand out 
• Notice permanent features--hair color, height, facial structure, etc.-- rather than solely focusing on clothes because those can be changed easily

When describing an object (i.e. a car, a weapon, etc.):

• Take note of the basics such as size, color and shape
• Jot down any identifying characteristics, from part of a license plate number to an odor

When describing an incident:

• Stay as objective as possible
• Keep things in chronological order as much as you can
• Provide a "reporter's view"--the who, what, where, why, when and how of a situation
• Tell listeners where you were standing/sitting at the time of the incident so they can get a better feel for your vantage point