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A number of observations and admonitions will help make the expert much more effective and valuable as an expert witness. These are not presented in order of importance:
- Overall demeanor and teaching techniques must be kept in mind at all times.
- Seek to achieve outstanding performance on each testimonial occasion.
- Tone of voice should moderate and modulate to fit the occasion in a realistic conversational pattern.
- Graphics must be able to stand alone, speak for themselves, and yet still be the subject of the expert's teaching techniques as salient points are emphasized throughout testimony.
- The expert must make sure to be heard clearly throughout the room.
- Use clear handwriting on charts.
- Written materials must be readable and understandable.
- Face the audience (judge, jury or hearing panel) at all times.
- Physical position and posture in the courtroom before and after testimony is important; never sit at counsel table or in close proximity to counsel.
- Do not pass notes to counsel during testimony of the opposition.
- Avoid hallway conversations exposing a theory or strategy; someone of the opposition may overhear.
- Avoid casual recess conversations between opposing experts.
- Be sensitive to the pressure and insecurity being felt by the trier of fact.
- Control and avoid any habitual body language, such as an involuntary grimace, an inappropriate smile, a hand tremor, or other physical manifestations that may suggest insecurity or uncertainty.
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- Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert
- Laboratory Orientation and Testing of Body Fluids and Tissues
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