In my last blog post, I mentioned I had started reading The Articulate Advocate. I’m not anywhere near done, but that didn’t stop me from starting to use the techniques in my last two presentations.
Dane was right: This book is easily the best tool for any lawyer who wants to become a top notch advocate. The book is filled with simple, practical advice. Of course, “simple” doesn’t mean “easy to implement.” It’s very hard to shed old habits and replace them with new (and better) ways of speaking.
But it’s clear that the prescribed methodology is better, and worth making the effort to learn.
P.S. If you're a practicing lawyer, check out this Law Practice Assessment . After answering a few questions, you'll get detailed recommendations for improving five key areas of your practice.
I couldn't agree more! (Okay – confession time… I train people, particularly legal-bods, in public speaking, presenting and the like, so I'm biased)….
I can't think of a more simple (and as you say, that's simple in concept, not in practice) way of increasing your effectiveness as an advocate. It's not jut a legal thing either, as the same 'rules' apply in the 'real world' as well.
I started reading it yesterday on your recommendation. So far it was fantastic. Couldn't recommend it the more.