If you have been reading my recent posts you will know that I am currently writing a section about ‘Trial’ for inclusion in the 2nd Edition of the Contentious Probate Handbook for publication by the Law Society, and every week I am posting a short extract. In that section of the book I set out my ‘Golden Rules of Advocacy.’ My 1st Golden Rule is ‘Concise presentation – Keep it short and Sweet!’ –

‘A concise advocate is a demonstrably prepared, organised, clear, confident, and persuasive advocate. Do not use adverbs. In cross-examination questions should be put in less than seven words. At all times think “precision”, “accuracy”, and “impact”. These are all hallmarks of efficient and effective advocacy. Less is more.’