There are people in your client’s story who never make it onto the record. A dead parent. An abusive coach. A child they lost touch with. A former version of themselves they’re ashamed of. These invisible figures—their absences, their echoes—shape everything. And the jury feels them, even if they’re never named.

When the Jury Isn’t Listening to What You Think They Are

You think they’re listening to your words. You’ve practiced your phrasing. Your structure. Your logic. You’ve hit every key point from your outline. But something isn’t landing. The room is quiet, polite—and unconvinced. Here’s the truth: jurors are listening, but not always to the story you’re telling.

To one juror, we’re the hero. To another, a manipulator. To the court reporter, we might be invisible. To opposing counsel, a threat. The self we believe we’re bringing into the room is only one of many selves.

Courtrooms don’t make space for mourning. But Building The Case does. This is a place to name what doesn’t get said in court—and to release what’s been too heavy to carry.

In the courtroom, a picture can indeed be worth a thousand words. By effectively choosing, integrating, and presenting visual aids, you can enhance your storytelling, clarify complex information, and emotionally engage with the jury.

Crafting a cohesive ending is both an art and a strategic skill in legal storytelling. By effectively reviewing key points, ensuring consistency throughout your narrative, and delivering a strong, memorable close, you set the stage for a favorable outcome.

The effectiveness of a climax hinges largely on the build-up. The tension must escalate progressively, pulling the jury along with a growing sense of urgency and engagement.

Chronology in storytelling is the sequence in which events are arranged to form a narrative. While a straightforward, linear timeline is common, sometimes a more dynamic approach can be more effective.

The emotional journey of a case isn't just about your client but every party involved, including opposing parties, witnesses, and even the broader community impacted by the case outcome.

The context in which the events of the case unfolded is crucial to understanding and presenting the story effectively.