Shakespeare for Lawyers: Make Your Words Dance!

This presentation explores how lawyers, much like Shakespearean actors, rely on words, voice, and gestures to tell a compelling story in court. It contrasts the expressive power of language in Shakespeare’s time with modern communication, influenced by technology and abbreviated forms. The talk will also draw on techniques from songwriters, storytellers, and orators to highlight the enduring impact of powerful, truthful speech.
Duration: 1 Day
Hours: 3 Hours
Training: Live Training
Training Level: All Level
Contact Support for Group Offers
Batch Three
Monday June 16 2025
12:00 PM - 03:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Batch Four
Monday July 21 2025
12:00 PM - 03:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Live Session
Single Attendee
$149.00 $249.00
Live Session
Recorded
Single Attendee
$199.00 $332.00
6 month Access for Recorded
Live+Recorded
Single Attendee
$249.00 $416.00
6 month Access for Recorded

Overview: 

While it’s true that the quote, “Let’s kill all the lawyers” came from the stroke of Shakespeare’s pen in Henry VI, Part 2, Act IV, Scene 2, there are many things that we, as lawyers, can learn from the Bard. Remarkably, the lawyer who stands before a jury finds himself in the very same position as that of a Shakespearean actor: he or she must rely exclusively on their words, their voice, and their bodies, including their gestures and their mannerisms, to tell the story. 

It should come as no surprise that audiences back in Shakespeare’s day had a sharp ear for listening. However, in today’s age of smart phones, electronic devices, and short attention spans, everything about progress has taken us further and further away from being expressive with our words. Look no further than hashtags, emojis, and text messages with abbreviated words that we need our kids to help us decipher. 

In the twenty-first century, we face the challenge of marrying the Elizabethan tradition with our modern tradition. In marrying these two traditions, this presentation will extend beyond the Bard and explore those techniques used by great wordsmiths from songwriters to storytellers and orators whose voices and words resonate with truth. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride.

Course Objective: 

The objective of this course is to explore how techniques from Shakespearean acting can enhance courtroom advocacy, emphasizing the use of words, voice, and gestures to craft compelling legal arguments. The course will examine how Shakespeare’s rhetorical devices and storytelling methods can aid lawyers in persuading juries, deepening emotional connections with clients and jurors, and building credibility. 

Additionally, it will address the impact of modern distractions on jury engagement, the power of rhythm, pacing, and imagery in both Shakespearean dialogue and courtroom speeches, and how the principles of verse speaking and silence can strengthen a lawyer’s presence. Finally, the course will explore how adopting a more theatrical approach can improve legal strategies and overcome challenges in communicating complex concepts to diverse juries.

Target Audience: 

  • Trial attorneys (criminal & Civil)
  • ADR
  • Negotiations
  • Arbitration

Basic Knowledge:

Trial Skills (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

Curriculum
Total Duration: 3 Hours
How does the presentation draw parallels between the techniques used in Shakespearean acting and those used in courtroom advocacy?
In what ways can Shakespeare’s language and rhetorical devices enhance a lawyer’s ability to persuade a jury?
What role does the human element play in both theatrical performances and legal arguments, according to the presentation?
How might modern distractions, such as smartphones and social media, impact a lawyer's effectiveness in engaging with a jury?
In what ways does the author suggest that understanding Shakespeare can deepen a lawyer's emotional connection with their clients and jurors?
How does the concept of "breaking verse" in Shakespeare's works relate to the emotional states of characters, and how can this be applied in a courtroom setting?
What are some specific techniques mentioned in the presentation that lawyers can use to build credibility with jurors?
How does the author propose that storytelling can create a unified perspective among jurors during a trial?
What insights does the presentation provide about the importance of rhythm and pacing in both Shakespearean dialogue and courtroom speeches?
In what ways can the use of powerful imagery in legal arguments influence a jury’s perception of a case?
How does the author connect the concepts of intrinsic and market value in Shakespeare’s characters to the legal profession?
What challenges do lawyers face when trying to communicate complex legal concepts to a diverse jury, similar to the challenges Shakespeare faced with his audiences?
How can the principles of verse speaking enhance a lawyer's oral arguments and overall courtroom presence?
What are some examples of how silence can be a powerful tool in both theater and legal practice, as discussed in the presentation?
How does the presentation encourage lawyers to adopt a more theatrical approach in their courtroom strategies, and what potential benefits might this have?