Trial advocacy is total communication. We need to rethink what we think about advocacy. Lawyers are trained to write words and speak them to be literate men and women, more in the image of Sir Thomas More than Marshall McLuhan. Unfortunately, what most lawyers think of as advocacy is often viewed far differently by jurors. You must communicate with your jury on all channels.
People don t read dry legal briefs in book-lined rooms.
They see sounds, moving images, words and still pictures. The viewing public has an accelerated learning tempo. If your courtroom communication can t keep the beat, minds will wander before your eyes. What clients need now are lawyers with media rhythm the gift of using different communication media effectively. Sam Guiberson is a litigator and consulting attorney in cases involving the use of technology in complex litigation, based in Houston.