Computer Forensics JumpStart, Second Edition

Say Only What You Must

Brevity is the soul of wit.

• William Shakespeare

Be careful with the words you choose. They may come back to haunt you. Talking too much is a common witness mistake during testimony. The more you talk, the more you risk becoming a bore and the more information you divulge. Although it may appear that the primary purpose for an expert witness is to divulge information, that’s missing the point. Your main job is to provide an expert’s view or interpretation, not to dump memory. The most common type of information a person divulges when talking too much is that of weaknesses or revealing information that might be viewed as a conflict with the testimony of other witnesses. When you are on the stand, answer all questions succinctly. ...