Communication Services
Trial communication services include analogies, themes, opening statement practice, graphics, courtroom analyses, witness evaluations, and post trial interviews. Jurors judgments based on perceptions are quick. Since these decisions often evolve from emotion, and not hard facts, witnesses’ and attorneys’ communication skills can be crucial in determining a verdict on liability and damages. Jury communication services enhance the case presentation. It is important not only to know what you want to tell the jurors, but also how to tell the story.
Analogy Development
— Knowing which path to take when there is a fork in the road.
Brainstorming sessions create winning themes and solutions for problem areas. Productive, creative sessions are essential in articulating meaningful analogies & graphics that hold up under attack as well as strategies for illuminating opponents’ weaknesses.
Opening Statements & Graphics
— Vividly tell the story
Build better case presentations through analysis of opening statements. We analyze written opening statements or give feedback on rehearsals. In our opening statement clinic, we focus on style and presentation through videotape feedback integrating what jurors are likely to perceive and comprehend. We evaluate the delivery, then refine phrases to vividly communicate the client’s story.
Jurors better understand concepts when they are presented visually. Attention to graphics is crucial because charts and graphs can bolster witness credibility and assist retention on key issues and themes.
Courtroom Analysis/Shadow Expert
— What are the jurors communicating?
During the course of the trial, a trained pair of eyes and ears is beneficial for assessing jurors’ reactions to opening statements, evidence, and witnesses. Detecting subtle cues from jurors can assist in designing questioning strategies and closing arguments.
Witness Analysis and Preparation
— Stress busters for effective examinations.
Each witness has a unique style. We examine idiosyncrasies and analyze jurors’ likely perceptions. Often a witness’ stress level makes the case less manageable for the attorney. It is important for witnesses to present themselves as naturally as possible. During preparation, we videotape the witness under direct and cross-examination. During feedback sessions, we integrate communication theories in resolving dilemmas. A strong witness during discovery can greatly affect trial strategy.
Detecting Deception
— Detecting deception in adverse witnesses is critical in discovery.
Did you ever feel that the witness was hiding information? What if you could get more from deposing your opponent’s witnesses than the opponents planned to reveal? Thorough analysis of human behavior is supported by original research by Paul Ekman, Ph.D,, a pioneer in the field of behavior and emotion. Dr. Cohen collaborated with Dr. Ekman, who is internationally recognized as the expert with the most cited research on lying behavior, for several years.
Virtual Shadow Jury
— Daily focus groups
We set up focus groups outside the presence of the jury in high profile cases where cameras are used in the courtroom. We assess jurors’ reactions to opening statements, evidence, and witnesses. Daily mock jury feedback assists in designing questioning strategies and closing arguments.
Post Trial Juror Interviews
— In the Minds of Jurors
Juror interviews are an excellent tool for gaining knowledge about specific perceptions of witnesses, lawyers, and issues during a past trial. Using an objective jury consultant, who understands the issues and makes sense of the group dynamics, is important for subsequent trials and appeals. Juror interviews are the most economical form of jury research.