The Articulate Attorney: Public Speaking for Lawyers [Paperback]

Addressing the distinctive communication skills expected of attorneys—and based on three decades of experience coaching lawyers—this manual of practical, useful solutions integrates cutting-edge discoveries in human factors, linguistics, neuroscience, gesture studies, and sports psychology. These techniques will transform any attorney into a more confident speaker, whether addressing colleagues in a conference room, counseling clients in a boardroom, or presenting a CLE in a ballroom. Including tips on bringing the presentation off of one's notes and using direct eye contact, the book answers such common questions as:How do I channel nervous energy into dynamic delivery?What is a reliable way to remember what I want to say?How do I stop saying um and think in silence instead?andWhy is gesturing so important?Topics are divided into chapters on the body, the brain, and the voice, with an extra section specifically dedicated to practice.

“With decades of experience teaching lawyers communication skills, Brian K. Johnson and Marsha Hunter present a very readable, comprehensive how - to volume that will hel p you cope with our common speaking foibles. Even strong speakers at ease in front of any crowd will likely pick up some useful pointers from this book. ...the book remains a very useful, practical guide. Your palms may still get a bit sweaty, but with J ohnson and Hunter’s advice, your speech and gestures should be much more fluid, your audience more appreciative.” —Susan Azyndar, American Association of Law Libraries, Spectrum Blo

This book offers many practical suggestions for improving our speaking styles...As members of a service profession, our clients pay for our time, intellect and skills. Speaking effectively is one of the many ways we deliver superior service to those clients .” —Mark Hinueber, Esq., Nevada Lawyer Magazine