Overview:
Rhetoric began as a civic art in Ancient Greece where students were trained to develop tactics of oratorical persuasion, especially in legal disputes. It is incredibly powerful but underused today. In this presentation, I introduce you to the different types of rhetorical devices to help make your arguments leave a lasting impression on the jury.
Course Objective:
This course explores the intersection of Shakespearean techniques and courtroom rhetoric. It examines how principles from theater, storytelling, and rhetoric can enhance a lawyer's ability to connect with a jury. The course covers key strategies like using rhetorical devices, emotional depth, imagery, repetition, ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as how to adapt classical techniques to modern legal practice. It also addresses challenges in the digital age, balancing complex language with accessibility, and integrating Aristotle's rhetorical principles to improve persuasive skills. Ultimately, the course aims to equip lawyers with powerful tools to strengthen their arguments and presentation style.
Target Audience:
- Trial attorneys (criminal & Civil), ADR, Negotiations, Arbitration
Basic Knowledge:
Trial Skills (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Curriculum
Total Duration: 3 Hours
How do you think the principles of theater can enhance a lawyer's ability to connect with a jury during a trial?
In what ways can the use of rhetorical devices, as demonstrated by Shakespeare, influence the effectiveness of a lawyer's closing argument?
What parallels can you draw between the storytelling techniques employed in Shakespeare’s plays and those used in courtroom litigation?
How does understanding the emotional depth captured in Shakespeare's works inform a lawyer's approach to presenting a client's case?
Why do you believe Shakespeare's treatment of language and emotion remains relevant in modern legal practice?
How can lawyers effectively utilize the concept of "imagery" in their arguments to engage jurors' senses and emotions?
What role does the concept of ethos, pathos, and logos play in both Shakespeare's writings and courtroom rhetoric?
In what ways can a lawyer incorporate the "stealing thunder" technique into their courtroom strategy, and what are the potential benefits?
How does the use of repetition in both Shakespearean dialogue and legal arguments serve to underscore key points in a case?
What challenges do modern lawyers face in adapting the art of rhetoric in a digital age that favors visual communication?
How can the understanding of onomatopoeia enhance a lawyer's narrative technique when describing events in a courtroom setting?
In what ways might a lawyer's delivery style impact the reception of their arguments, and how can they learn from Shakespearean actors?
How can lawyers navigate the balance between high-level language and accessible communication to ensure their arguments resonate with diverse audiences?
hat insights can be gained from Shakespeare's exploration of irony, and how can they be applied to legal arguments or courtroom strategy?
How can the principles of Aristotle's rhetoric be integrated into a lawyer's preparation and delivery to improve their persuasive effectiveness?