Mastering nonverbal cues in court can drastically shift the way counsel and their case are perceived by jurors, as exemplified by recent observations about President Donald Trump’s nonverbal communication style. This is an area where legal professionals would do well to invest some time and training, according to remarks by Clint Townson from Townson Consulting.
Remarks left unsaid, or behaviours like falling asleep, muttering, slumping, and phone checking can be just as impactful as any spoken word inside the four corners of a court room. These behaviours risk not only the derision of your fellow counsel but can also significantly influence the jury’s impression about a case and the parties involved.
Townson argues that it’s crucial for trial attorneys to be cognizant of their nonverbal behaviors and train their representatives to self-regulate them. Accurate self-monitoring of nonverbal behaviors in court can help in maintaining the right narrative in the eyes of the jurors.
Even amidst the digital revolution in the legal profession, the subtleties of communication have never been more significant. As the legal landscape becomes ever more competitive, mastery in nonverbal cues is a clear differentiation and can be the subtle difference between a case won and lost.
For deeper understanding on how to master the art of nonverbal cues in legal practice, visit this article by Clint Townson.