Keep It Simple


Always use the KISS method. The old Keep It Simple, Stupid acronym reminds us that simple is always better than complex. In fact, almost everyone will reject information that is confusing. If you want to be believed by the judge and jury, make your explanations simple. You'll have to walk a fine line between keeping your explanations accessible and making them too simplistic.

Explaining Technical Concepts

Humans are associative thinkers. We take new information and associate it with information we already know. If we establish a strong enough association, we remember the new information. We can remember information in isolation, but only for a short time. Here's a simple test to make my point:

  1. What are Newton's three laws of motion?

  2. Write the quadratic formula from memory.

  3. What are the Spanish (or French) words for cat, house, and bread?

  4. Diagram the first sentence in the preceding paragraph.

At one time, you could probably answer all these questions. If you're like most people, you could do it on the day of the test. But the memory faded after a few days because the information was isolated. If you currently speak Spanish or French, the third question is a snap. The moral is: your audience will retain information longer if you help them associate it with something they already know. They will also understand it far better. Try to explain technical concepts using analogies where appropriate.

Let's assume you are asked to explain how a firewall works. You can start with something like: 'A firewall is similar to a toll plaza . All traffic must pass through a toll booth in the plaza. Traffic is sorted by payment method: fast pass, exact change, and change provided.' This starts off with a mental picture your audience can build on. Take time to develop analogies to explain technical concepts. They can go a long way to get a nontechnical audience to understand technical concepts.

Use Presentation Aids When Needed

In addition to having your audience use mental pictures, bring some of your own. The old adage 'A picture is worth a thousand words' is absolutely true. When appropriate, use various presentation aids to clarify your point. Don't use presentation aids just to look impressive. Some speakers use PowerPoint only because it is expected; however, use what works for you. Some speakers deliver effective presentations with old-fashioned overhead projectors and cellophane slides.

If you believe a picture will help your audience understand or remember something, use it. In many cases, having a picture on a screen while you explain a topic helps to cement the topic in the audience's mind. Pictures, however, are only one of the many presentation aids available. When they help your testimony, use some of the following:

  • Pictures (including crime scene photos)

  • Illustrations

  • Animation

  • Charts

The preceding list is not exhaustive. Use the presentation aid you think will make the most impact. That impact is measured in how well your audience under- stands the points you are making, not how impressive your presentation looks.

Watch for Feedback

One of the most crucial factors during testimony is audience feedback. Because you are making eye contact with the judge and jury, you can see how they react to you. Read their facial expressions and body language. You can tell when you are boring someone. Too few people care, though. When you are presenting any type of information, watch to see what your audience is 'saying' to you. If you are boring, move to another topic, take a break, or change tactics. Anytime you lose your audience, do something.

If you see that you are losing the jury as you explain how firewalls work, ask for a break. Talk the problem over with your legal team. They may suggest you try a different approach. You may have no other alternative but to push on through. Regardless, try to react to your audience. You might not be able to make the technical exciting, but you can try. Simply responding to the facial expressions and body language of your audience can increase their trust in you.




Computer Forensics JumpStart
Computer Forensics JumpStart
ISBN: 0470931663
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 153

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