Over the past few years we have been continually reminded of the importance of telling a story in presenting our cases to jurors. Most of us do not need any convincing in that regard. There are lawyers, however, that assume it is a simple concept, but do a poor job of implementing it. Here’s a refresher on the art of story telling. To start with, why storytelling? Because our brains are formed genetically in a way in which telling stories…
In spite of all of the writing and seminars on the subject of opening statements, too many trial lawyers maintain a wrong and overly simplistic view of this important step in the trial. Remember, the opening statement is the critical first impression with the jury about the case. Too many lawyers take the easy road of telling a chronological narrative is if it were a police report instead of a compelling emotional story. Opening statements are important. That’s when most jurors…
We just returned from a week long cruise to Alaska with our children and their spouses. While on the trip I read a book by Drew Weston The Political Brain. It dealt with political campaigning and the election of politicians, but had informative information about persuasion, decision-making and how the human brain functions. While directed at politics I found that most of what he wrote was applicable to us as plaintiff trial lawyers. For example, I was pleased to read…