Every second you are in the courtroom, jurors are looking at
you, judging you, spontaneously coming to conclusions about your competence and
credibility based solely on their in-the-moment perceptions.
Because jurors have no way of knowing you through the usual
means – conversation, time spent in a mutually pleasing activity (sitting on a
jury does not qualify!) – their conclusions about you are based on
stereotypical ideas.
For example, when you’re innocently jiggling change in your
pocket, a common but unfortunate male habit, or fussing with your hair, a habit
shared by both sexes, such mannerisms, innocuous as they are to you, may
readily be interpreted as evidence of “nervousness.” Nervousness, in turn, is
equated with incompetence, as are certain facial expressions, such as frowning
or frequent pursing of the lips.
Arrogance is too easily read in one’s “steepling” of the
hands (hands held in upright prayer position, with the finger tips touching,
palms usually a few inches apart), or if your head is tilted a bit back so that
your chin is slightly elevated.
Slumped shoulders, head tilted down, getting up slowly and
plopping down with a thud into your chair are all read as “not-doing-so-well”
which then slides into “loser” all too quickly.
Arms crossed over your chest bespeak defensiveness or
hostility. Hands on your hips may appear overly aggressive and demanding.
It may seem like a lot to think of, while your primary focus
must be on the case itself, yet credibility and competence can be reduced to a
few simple guidelines:
1. keep
your hands off your person
2. stand or
sit up straight
3. keep
your mannerisms in check.
Easy enough! And with credibility intact, you’re much better
positioned to win your case.
