Key Lesson: Philip Takok's 'Storytelling For Lawyers'

We 've all witnessed them. Exceptional advocates who grace the courtroom with fluency and prestige during their oral arguments. After their oration, we feel refreshed, convinced, and ready to take action.

There’s no secret formula for their remarkable public speaking skills. Instead, great orators are masters at the art of storytelling.

Storytelling is a powerful tool that connects “a dose of the human element, emotions, and branded thinking” to produce a memorable message. This form of communication offers listeners an opportunity to build a human connection.

Neuroeconomist Paul Zak‘s research reveals that our brains produce a strong neurological response during storytelling. Tense moments release the stress hormone cortisol, while the feel-good chemical

Why is the tension present?
How can the tension be removed?
What will stand in the way of removing the obstacles?

Key Lesson: Your story’s tension should stimulate the interest of the listener.

4. Characters
In Storytelling for Lawyers, author Philip Meyer discusses “how lawyers ' storytelling uses different voices and various narrative perspectives.”

For example, in Atkins v. Virginia, he mentions “how the petitioner 's successful brief employs competing testimonial narratives taken from trial transcripts and pieced together artistically, like bricolage, from shifting first-person perspectives.”

Character development is important so the court can relate to the parties. Your character needs plans and must take action to drive the story forward.

Try the following techniques to improve your argument:
Main Character Flaw: Demonstrate the human side of your party.
Flawed Opponents: Give your opponents weaknesses.
Revelations: Let your character realize something new.
Moral Choice: Talk about how your character made a choice.
Character Change: Show how the character changed.

Key Lesson: Your story’s characters should possess relatable traits to bond with the