Key Chapter Points

• In order to share information effectively, an advocate requires both writ­ten and verbal communication skills.

• Good writing skills will result in documents that are drafted in clear, pre­cise and accurate language that reflects court requirements and achieve the client's objectives.

• Always tailor your oral presentation to your audience (e.g. client, expert, judge).

• Ensure that your presentation has a clear structure and that you deliver your speech with passion, enthusiasm and conviction.

• Adhere to procedural rules and court processes relating to communica­tion but be ready to adapt as court processes change.

• Special evidential rules apply to the questioning and treatment of wit­nesses that impact on the competency of witnesses, the type and man­ner of questions that can be asked and the right to silence of defendant witnesses.

3.1