The Lawyer's Winning Edge: Exceptional Courtroom Performance

by Decar, Lisa; Matheo, Len; Decaro, Lisa L.

• ISBN13: 9781883726928
• ISBN10: 1883726921
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-01
• Publisher: Bradford Pub Co

Author Biography

Lisa DeCaro and Len Matheo are active members of the American Society of Trial Consultants and the Association for Continuing Legal Education. They are frequent speakers for bar and trial association events, and have written articles for various legal journals. Both have worked for over 15 years as educators and performers in the entertainment industry. They own and operate Courtroom Performance, Inc.

Table of Contents

About the Authors	v
Foreword	vii
Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xiii
Introduction	1	(12)
Part 1: The Foundation For Communication	13	(60)
``The key is sincerity, and once you learn to fake that, you've got it made'' . . . And Other Really Bad Advice	15	(8)
How To Use Your Voice to Create Vocal Thunder in the Courtroom	23	(14)
Vocal Inflection	37	(8)
Why Your Body Sometimes Feels As Though It Is Working Against You	45	(16)
Using Eye Contact to Build Relationships	61	(12)
Part 2: Captivate The Jury Through The Power Of Storytelling	73	(78)
Painting a Clear Picture	75	(16)
Your Story: Building a Strong House	91	(28)
How to Rehearse Your Story	119	(8)
The Credibility Factor	127	(6)
Stage Presence: It's All in the Listening!	133	(10)
Relationships	143	(8)
Part 3: Putting It All Together For Trial	151	(74)
Preparing Yourself and Your Witnesses for Depositions and Trial	153	(36)
Trial Day 1: What to Wear	189	(4)
Using Props and Visual Aids to Enhance Your Argument	193	(4)
Presentation Skills for Voir Dire	197	(10)
Preparing Your Opening Statement: 99 Percent of Spontaneity is Preparation	207	(6)
Stage Fright	213	(8)
On-Camera Presentation Skills	221	(4)
Epilogue: We Rest Our Case	225	(6)
Contents of CD-ROM	231	(1)
Instructions For Using CD-ROM	232