Keep calm, composed; Easy does it: how to make a deposition go more smoothly.(Practice Trends)

LAS VEGAS -- Depositions are stressful, but it's essential to remain calm and think carefully before speaking, according to Dr. Abel Torres.

To help doctors remember the elements of a successful deposition, he offered the mnemonic PNEUMONICSSS, which stands for:

* Pause and reflect before answering the opposing lawyer's questions. This is probably the most important thing to remember. Listen carefully: How many questions are really being asked, and are they clearly stated? Give your attorney time to make objections if necessary.

Above all, "Slow down. Take it easy," Dr. Torres said at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

* Never point an accusatory finger at someone else, unless you're absolutely certain that the other individual is responsible for a certain act. Otherwise, it looks like you're trying to evade your own responsibility, and it could antagonize the other side.

* Expand not. Answer questions only with the facts. "Yes" and "no" are perfectly acceptable answers, as is "I don't recall."

Resist the temptation to impress the other side with your knowledge--save it for the jury, should the case go to trial.