by Alex Brown
Director of Operations
A2L Consulting

As we have mentioned before in this blog, the art of storytelling is a crucial skill for a trial lawyer. From the very beginning of a trial, many jurors will envision the facts of the case in the form of a story. Our brains are wired to tell stories, to listen to stories, and to remember stories. Storytelling began with the caveman and the campfire and is still the best way to present information to an audience.

Think of the difference between these two statements:

1. I went to the market.
2. I went to the 7-11 at midnight to buy a Diet Mountain Dew and to play Pokemon Go because I am addicted to that game.

Statement 1 is just a flat statement. It has no specifics and does not draw the reader or listener in. Statement 2, on the other hand, intrigues the reader or listener. Why did you go that late at night? How did you fare in your session of Pokemon Go? What happened when you got home? And so on. It is potentially the beginning of a story.

As a trial lawyer, you will be telling stories. You want your audience to be drawn in and involved. Here are some points to consider in developing a story:

1. Have a purpose. Who wants to hear a story when you know that the storyteller has no destination or end in sight? You feel trapped. Or worse, you zone out and stop listening to save yourself the pain of the journey. Your audience, a judge or a jury, is human and will react similarly.
   
   
2. Develop a beginning, a middle and an end. A story is meant to guide a listener down a path. In your story, build in some “signposts” so that the listener has an idea of where the story is going. Of course, don’t give everything away too soon.
   
   
3. Use visuals to provide depth and to keep your listeners’ interest. We are a visual species. More than 60 percent of people learn primarily by using their eyes. Use visual elements to invoke images and feelings that you want your listeners to hold onto.
   
   
4. Emphasize a hero. Luke Skywalker, Superman, James Bond. All of them were heroes that an audience could connect with and root for. When building your narrative, paint a picture that makes the audience sympathize with your hero.
   
   
5. Have a villain. Darth Vader, Lex Luthor, Dr. No. Audiences learned to hate these villains and to hope that the hero vanquished them. Flesh out the wrongdoings of the villain to give your hero credibility.
   
   
6. Use a consistent voice. Once you are ready to tell your story, tell it in a way that you are comfortable with. Find a voice that is appropriate to you and to your audience. The only way to do that is to practice.

Other articles on storytelling at trial, developing a great story and being a better storyteller from A2L Consulting include:

• Free Download: Storytelling for Litigators E-Book 3rd Ed.
• 25 Things In-House Counsel Should Insist Outside Litigation Counsel Do
  
• Podcast: 5 Ways to Maximize Persuasion During Opening Statements
• Podcast: 12 Things Every Mock Juror Ever Has Said
• Webinar: 12 Things Every Mock Juror Ever Has Said
• 5 Ways That a Mock Trial Informs and Shapes Voir Dire Questions
• 7 Ways to Draft a Better Opening Statement
• 5 Ways to Maximize Persuasion During Opening Statements - Part 4
• Why a litigator is your best litigation graphics consultant
• 6 Reasons The Opening Statement is The Most Important Part of a Case
• How to Structure Your Next Speech, Opening Statement or Presentation