Jurors sit on the edge of their seats while they listen to witnesses describe the juicy facts of an immigration scam gone wrong, or how adultery provided a motive for murder. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are so passionate about the subject matter, they are frequently asked by the judge to tone it down. Within the span of about 20 minutes, a verdict is rendered, and two families react. Television legal dramas make it seem as though a juror's job is to sit in judgment of a particularly interesting set of facts, presented by colorful witnesses that will keep them engaged. The reality is starkly different. Criminal cases are rarely as provocative as they are depicted on television, and civil litigation often involves auto accidents or hazardous exposures. An effective trial presentation consultant can help you develop strategies to engage your jury. One of the most effective ways in which attorneys can capture and retain the attention of the jury is through an effective theme. A trial presentation consultant can help you come up with a meaningful theme that goes deeper than an advertising jingle. Studies show that a theme can bring the issues into focus for jurors. They act as an anchor jurors can use as a starting point, and work as a cue for specific thoughts about your case. Not only can your trial presentation consultant provide advice about messaging, he or she can also provide tips about how to use available technology to perfect your delivery. Video is a powerful tool. One way to impeach a witness is to have them read contradictory testimony from a deposition transcript into the record. Alternatively, if the deposition was recorded, you could show video of the witness giving contradictory testimony. Rather than a dry transcript reading, the video provides context to the situation. It allows jurors to compare the witness' body language, voice, and reaction to the questioning with their original deposition. Keep in mind that in order for video to be effective, it should be used sparingly to highlight only your most important points. Finally, all your hard work on delivery will be for nothing if you cannot effectively use your materials. Contact the court to make sure that they can accommodate the technology you plan to use, especially if your case will be heard in a rural area. Your trial presentation consultant should help you work around any technological limitations you might encounter. Additionally, you should practice your opening and closing remarks, as well as examination of witnesses. You should prepare what you are going to say, and, more importantly, how you will say it. Work on incorporating your demonstratives and video portions, and think about how you will move about the courtroom. Even though real life cases are typically not as exciting as an episode of "Law and Order," your trial presentation consultant can help make sure that your jurors will want to hear what you have to say. Find an experienced trial presentation consultant at Litigation Insights. Learn more about these services at http://www.litigationinsights.com/.
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