The Power of Story at Trial: Effective Storytelling Techniques for the Courtroom

Humans use stories to make choices and justify actions. This is especially true in a trial, where jurors will undoubtedly rely on stereotypes and unconscious bias as they hear arguments and testimony, and review evidence. More often than not, these powerful story dynamics impact the outcome of the trial.

How is a trial like a story? How can you structure your case like a story? What is the "epiphany" in trials, and why is it so powerful? What kinds of bias do jurors tend to have? How can you use storytelling techniques in your opening and closing? This program will answer these and other questions, covering practical storytelling techniques that you can use to create empathy and compel the jury to act on your client's behalf. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how story creates juror bias in trials

2. Learn the basic mechanism of storytelling used successfully at jury trials

3. Explore how to apply storytelling technique to your case

4. Use storytelling techniques to create empathy and action