A Skill No One Taught You—But Every Juror Tests

Let’s talk about a courtroom skill that’s rarely taught, but constantly tested:

Your ability to be bilingual.

Not Spanish and English—but fluent in both legalese and plainspoken, human-centered language.

If you want to connect with witnesses, lead the courtroom, and win over your jury, you’ve got to speak so they get it. Because when they don’t? You lose control of the narrative.

 

You’re Too Good at Speaking Court

Here’s a truth that might sting:

You’re too good at your job.

You’ve trained for years in the language of Court. You’re a legal linguist. You can say things like:

1. “The burden hasn’t shifted.”

2. “Goes to bias.”

3. “Devoid of evidence.”

…with zero hesitation. You think in case law. You write in argumentative language. And that expertise? It’s earned and well-deserved.

But your jurors don’t speak fluent Court.

They’ve never used the phrase “prejudicial outweighs probative” in their lives. No one talks about "negligence" or "damages" over coffee with their friend. They don't drive "vehicles" that get into "collisions." While you’re translating their experience into legal arguments, you also have to translate your legal thinking back into their language.

Otherwise, you risk sounding clear to yourself—and confusing to them.

 

You’re Speaking to Two Audiences (But Only One Delivers the Verdict)

In every courtroom, you’re navigating two distinct groups:

1. The legal world — judges, opposing counsel, experts.

2. The human world — jurors, lay witnesses, clients.

Each audience demands a different communication style. And the best trial lawyers code-switch constantly—but most don’t even realize they’re doing it (or that they should be).

If you’re only speaking fluent legalese, your jurors are likely:

1. Confused.

2. Overwhelmed.

3. Or checked out entirely.

And when that happens? They’re going to rely on emotion, guesswork, or the most confident voice in the deliberation room.

And that won’t be yours. Because you won’t be in there.

 

Clarity Isn’t “Dumbing It Down.” It’s Doing Your Job.

One client recently told me they felt like witnesses kept answering totally different questions than they asked in deposition. My response?

There are lots of reasons that could be happening—but don’t you want to make sure it’s not your own language causing the breakdown?

Here’s the neuroscience truth:

The brain under stress and fatigue has limited bandwidth.

Courtrooms create both. Your jurors aren’t dumb—but they are under a cognitive load:

1. New names

2. Emotional evidence

3. Unfamiliar procedures

4. Legal instructions

5. Internal reactions

6. Group dynamics

Their brains are overloaded. So they start to filter.

They ignore what feels unfamiliar and lean into what feels simple, concrete, and emotionally resonant.

 

Be the Voice That Cuts Through the Noise

Want to know the fastest way to lose a juror?

Say:

“The defense failed to uphold the requisite duty of care.”

They hear:

(…huh?)

Now say:

“He didn’t do what he was supposed to do—and that’s what hurt her.”

Suddenly, they get it.

They can repeat it.

They can use it in deliberation.

That’s your goal:

To give them language they can carry without you.

 

Code-Switching Is a Vocal Skill Too

Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is just about word choice.

It’s also about vocal choice.

When you speak to the judge, your voice tightens, you stand tall, your delivery is efficient and direct.

But when you pivot to the jury?

You soften.

You pause.

You create space.

You warm your tone.

That shift—verbal and vocal—is what builds rapport.

And rapport builds permission.

And permission builds trust.

And trust builds verdicts.

 

Start With Awareness. Then Rewrite for Clarity.

The first step? Pay attention.

Where in your:

1. Openings,

2. Closings,

3. Cross exams, or

4. Jury instructions…

…are you still speaking Court when you should be speaking Human?

Then? Start rewriting—not to simplify, but to clarify.

✅ Use metaphor

✅ Use short sentences

✅ Use repetition

✅ Use vivid imagery

Imagine you’re explaining it to your cousin over coffee.

If she can repeat it? Your jurors can too.

 

Emotion Is a Memory Enhancer

Want to make your words stick?

Anchor your facts to emotion.

Because emotion is a memory enhancer.

Use tone. Use story. Use connection.

Because legalese alone—no matter how correct—will never win hearts, minds, or verdicts.

If you missed it, go listen to Episode #23 on how to balance logic and emotion in your delivery.

 

The Verdict: Speak Both Languages with Intention

You don’t get to choose between formality and humanity.

You have to master both.

You must be fluent in:

1. The precision of the courtroom

2. And the humanity of your jury

Because once deliberations start, you’re not in the room.

But your words are.

Your tone is.

And your client’s story is.

Make it count.

 

Free Resource: The Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid

Want a quick place to start?

Download my free guide:

👉 The Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid

It’s the fastest way to start speaking so they get it.

 

Keep fostering your voice.

Your jury—and your client—are counting on it. 💛