In last week's blog entry, we discussed software, preparing exhibits, and working with Trial Consultants. In our 4th and final installment of this series, we'll continue to discuss highly effective ways to implement electronic presentation into your case.
Tips for Trial Presentation
If you're a novice to electronic presentation or have been going at it alone, get your technology feet wet by using it on a small case, arbitration, or mediation. As the saying goes, practice does make perfect. Have your Hot Seat Operator speak to you about the limitations and capabilities of the software. Allow time for the jury to absorb the information. Take advantage of the bells and whistles at your disposal but don't lose sight of the collective goal. Remember: The jury isn’t as familiar with the case as you are. Work out the communication between the presenting attorney and the courtroom technologist. Make sure you have two of everything. If you’re on an out-of-town trial, make sure that there are contingency plans in place in the unlikely event that you have a system crash.
When retaining Trilogy Trial Consultants for your upcoming mediation and/or trial, the following 14 point list details what you can expect from our team:
1. Assist clients in pre-trial preparation, including database creation and maintenance
2. Provide assistance with presenting electronic and demonstrative evidence using well established trial presentation software
3. Coordinate data -- video, documents and demonstrative evidence -- in proper locations to ensure ease of use, search and retrieval
4. Help paralegals, attorneys, and expert witnesses understand what presentation techniques work best at trial
5. Schedule equipment setup and tear-down with court officials
6. Provide oversight in determining what equipment package will be needed during trial
7. Ensure equipment locations for lines of sight, lighting and audio are satisfactory
8. Work with expert witnesses so that our design team can produce quality exhibits
9. Provide complete technical support for presentation systems and technology
10. Manage the preparation, creation, and modification of exhibits
11. Provide on-site video and audio editing
12. Produce professional quality presentations
13. Produce trial and witness notebooks
14. Prepared with on-site copying, printing, scanning
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your opening statement and closing argument with your Trial Consultant until you are completely in sync. Develop and memorize your naming conventions and any special terminology related to the case. Since one of the primary advantages of electronic presentation is the ability to quickly react to changing circumstances, daily trial reviews in the war room allow you to respond to events in an effective manner.
It is imperative to do test runs using the same setup that will be prepared in the courtroom. Confidently presented information conveys additional legitimacy. Leaving a lasting impact with your jurors is what is important in the courtroom. Practicing with your Trial Technologist will ensure that the jury is not dozing off during your oral arguments.
Conclusion
Experienced litigators know that winning even simple cases requires preparation to effectively bring the jury to the point where they understand their client’s point of view. Solid electronic trial presentation may appear simple and seamless in the courtroom, but in the background, it takes a lot of preparation, skills, and problem solving abilities to achieve the collective goal – a winning presentation.
For a complimentary case review, please call our main office in Tampa 813.843.3356 or Miami 786.708.1776. You can email your requests to info@TrilogyTrial.com and a member of our staff will respond ASAP.
[This concludes our 4 part series on Perfect Presentations That Your Jury Will Fall In Love With]