Chapter 10

1. How does an expert witness differ from a regular witness?

   Answer: An expert witness can provide an opinion. A regular witness can only attest to facts.

2. What condition should exist before you appear in court as an expert witness?

   Answer: You should receive a summons or be asked to appear by the client. When you appear in court you will be asked to justify your expert status.

3. Will your resum validate you as an expert witness?

   Answer: Generally, no. Validation of expert status requires more details than most resumes contain.

4. What condition exists when you have personal or business reasons to find in favor of one party over the other?

   Answer: Conflict of interest

5. What is the process of taking testimony and reducing it to written form for admission into court?

   Answer: A deposition

6. What term describes the process of opposing counsel asking questions to cast doubt on your testimony?

   Answer: Cross examination

7. Why should you bother dressing up when going to court?

   Answer: Conservative dress conveys an image of confidence and competence.

8. What are the three components of communication?

   Answer: Sender, message, receiver

9. Should you be explicit in your testimony?

   Answer: Only be explicit enough to answer the question. Don't add any commentary unless specifically asked or required by the question.

10. What should you do when you see that you are losing your audience?

    Answer: Something different! Ask for a break, change the level of your explanation, try a different analogy or approach, or use different inflection . Do something that will break the monotony and return the audience's attention to you.