An analysis of teaching skills is fundamental for direct examination because teaching helps establish credibility — the key factor for an effective expert witness.

Some qualities of persuasive and effective teaching transfer to the forensic arena. Good teachers are well-informed, enthusiastic, provocative and inquisitive. They use lots of examples and illustrations.

Years ago, the U.S. Navy developed a standard teaching format, represented by the acronym TOMIPASTA, which includes nine main elements that the forensic expert may find useful for organizing scientific and opinion findings for trial testimony:

• Title.
• Objective.
• Materials.
• Introduction.
• Presentation.
• Application.
• Study.
• Testing.
• Assignment.

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