Beyond memorization, master vocal control, authentic presence, and emotional resonance to transform legal arguments into compelling narratives that captivate any jury.
Virtually every performance coach agrees that memorized text should sound as though the speaker is thinking of the words in real time, delivering them as if freshly-minted. This is how we naturally speak, aiming for spontaneity over a monotone or pre-planned delivery that drains words of their meaning—similar to the rehearsed tone of a flight attendant’s pre-takeoff speech.
Why is this relevant for trial lawyers? Reading from a page isn’t an option for them. Trial lawyers must memorize their opening statements and closing arguments much like actors memorize lines, enabling them to focus entirely on the jury. A notepad—or worse, an electronic device—can distract both the attorney and the jury, drawing the attorney’s gaze away and breaking crucial eye contact. This eye contact is essential for building rapport with the jury at the most critical stages of the trial.
These objects create a “barrier” or “wedge” between you and the jury. You risk missing one of the few opportunities to “break the fourth wall” and address the jury directly.
What follows is an exploration of techniques to uncover the hidden “treasures” in your speech. These tools, which I’ve learned from various instructors and continue to use during the “rehearsal stage” of a new play or trial preparation, are designed to enhance your delivery of opening statements and closing arguments. A series of practical exercises is also included.
Trial, entertainment law and U.S. international tax law
Michael is a partner in the boutique law firm of DeBlis Law where he specializes in tax compliance and entertainment law. Michael graduated from Western Michigan University School of Law in 2007 and later went on to earn his Masters of Law in taxation (LL.M.) from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2012. As a former public defender, Michael has spent nearly eight years cutting his teeth on some of the most serious felony cases to pass through the state courts of New Jersey. Michael’s unique background in tax law puts him into an elite category of criminal defense attorneys who specialize in criminal tax defense. His extensive trial experience and solid grounding in all major areas of federal taxation make him uniquely qualified to handle any white-collar case, no matter how sophisticated it might be. Michael is known for his creativity, his charismatic personality, and his unyielding dedication to his clients. As a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, Michael has trained under some of the best known criminal defense attorneys in the country. That experience has taught him that justice for a person accused of a crime is only won through a full understanding of the client and the case. To that end, Michael attempts to understand each client’s case as a convincing narrative, not just as a set of innocuous facts and arcane legal rules. When he's not in the courtroom, you can find Michael on stage. As a professionally trained actor, Michael's passionate about helping trial lawyers harness the power of persuasion and positive communication in the courtroom in order to connect to the jury on a human level. Michael's training as an actor allows him to combine a unique blend of left-brain thinking with right brain artistry to make even the most dull and abstract areas of the law come to life. This burst of creativity has contributed to Michael's success as a distinguished author and sought-out speaker. Michael has written articles that have been published in leading tax journals, such as "CCH Journal of Tax Practice and Procedure," "EA Journal," "Global Tax Weekly," and "ABA News Quarterly" and is a columnist for "Law360." He has been featured on the media affiliates of several major media networks, including NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, and CNN. Michael is a living example of the tremendous power that comes from combining passion, preparation, persuasion, and positive communication in the courtroom. His courage and relentless work ethic have earned him a reputation as a zealous advocate and one of New Jersey's rising stars of the legal profession.
