To add to the discussion about advice when signing an NDA, I would like to emphasize the point of fully understanding the magnitude of consequences that may be leveraged against you on the occasion that the agreement is broken. While I also believe some of the more common points like duration and responsibilities are important like hc255 had mentioned above, I also believe that knowing the exact consequences of your actions in a breach situation is another layer of deterrent. Occasionally I have overheard strangers’ conversations at a bar where I thought a little too much information was being shared and I was always curious if they knew the liability that they could cause their company if the information fell on the wrong set of ears. If they were ever held responsible, the monetary damage would most certainly be crippling for the rest of their lives along with probably losing their jobs. Therefore, I would always be aware of the responsibility of confidentiality placed on my shoulders and keep the trust my company has instilled in me.