Remember the “voice goes down” rule?

You probably learned it way back in kindergarten or first grade.

At the end of a sentence with a period, your voice goes down.

At the end of a question, your voice goes up.

It was basic communication training—but it was built for the classroom, not the courtroom.

And while that rule sometimes holds true… it’s not the whole story. Especially not for trial attorneys presenting high-stakes cases.

Authority or Curiosity? It’s All in the Melody

In the courtroom, punctuation doesn’t determine your vocal inflection—energy does.

Your pitch direction—the melody of your voice—communicates emotional tone far more powerfully than grammar ever could.

Use downward pitch to convey:

1. ✅ Finality

2. ✅ Confidence

3. ✅ Authority

4. ✅ “This matters” energy

Use upward pitch to signal:

1. 🔄 Momentum

2. 🧠 Curiosity

3. 🔍 Engagement

4. 💬 “Lean in—there’s more” energy

Don’t Pick a Lane—Use Both

One of the most common vocal mistakes trial lawyers make?

Getting stuck in a pattern.

➡️ Down, down, down — You sound overly assertive, robotic, or emotionally flat.

➡️ Up, up, up — You sound uncertain, hesitant, or overly casual.

Neither is ideal. And both can cost you juror attention.

Your jury needs vocal variety to stay engaged.

Just like any good story needs pacing, your delivery needs melodic contrast.

You Control the Energy in the Room

When you shift pitch intentionally, you're doing more than just adding vocal color.

You're shaping the jury’s:

1. 🧭 Focus

2. 🧠 Attention

3. ❤️ Emotional response

In other words, you control the emotional pacing of the room.

That’s not just a vocal skill. That’s a leadership skill.

Try This in Your Next Opening

Next time you prep an argument, don’t just mark what you’ll say.

Mark how you’ll say it.

1. Use downward pitch to land key conclusions with weight.

2. Use upward pitch to build suspense and emphasize that something important is coming.

3. Alternate strategically to keep your audience alert and emotionally invested.

Want better juror engagement?

Stop following the punctuation.

Start leading with vocal intention.

This is how you communicate with purpose—and how you foster your voice.

Need help building vocal authority and range for courtroom performance?

Let’s talk. I help civil plaintiff trial attorneys use voice as a tool for connection, credibility, and commanding the room. Click the link below to get vocal tips delivered to your inbox.