Developing Atypical Forms of Communication

Why should lawyers master non-verbal communication skills?

Ninety-three percent of all communication is non-verbal, which means lawyers must master non-verbal skills to influence their juries and judges. By participating in Mock Trial during my undergraduate career at Texas A&M, I have learned how to use non-verbal communication to present my cases cogently. This type of communication involves using body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice to accentuate the most critical points of an argument that judges and jurors need to know. More than once, I was able to use my voice inflection and body language to emphasize points of my case to the judges that helped us the round. I believe that effectively using nonverbal communication contributed to my successful presentations, even to my receiving outstanding attorney awards in Mock Trial.

Why should lawyers develop good questioning skills?

Lawyers must use good questions to make their point during direct and cross-examinations to convey their client’s story to juries. My time on the Student Affairs Fee Advisory Board (SAFAB) helped me practice asking the right questions to effectively further communication. On SAFAB, we listened to the presentations of departments and then were allowed to question the presenters about pertinent information. My experience asking the right questions led decision-makers to reconsider their budgeting requests, which resulted in a fairer and more equitable budgeting process.