The role of the security expert in civil litigation has become increasingly important with the increase in negligent security claims. Therefore, the expert must be able to communicate complex concepts in a noncomplex manner. The expert must educate and engage the jury which requires effective communication skills. Effective expert communication involves being able to understand jury expectations and deliver testimony accordingly; to keep testimony simple; to maintain credibility; and to reinforce their testimony with non-verbal communication that is consistent with the message. Experts must keep their testimony simple; they should view themselves as educators, using familiar terms and analogies to convey complex issues. Credibility must be established and maintained. Credibility translates into persuasiveness, and failure to maintain credibility can destroy the message. Expert witnesses need to maximize the effect of their message upon the jury by taking advantage of non-verbal communication techniques that enhance credibility and persuasiveness. 26 Notes