Human beings across the globe are
riveted by stories. Jurors are no different. Regardless of the nature of your
case, find the story within it. The drier your case, the more important it is
to do this.
Be sure
your story has elements of conflict or intrigue. Think of a good mystery or
detective story: the story is either about “Who done it” or “How they did it”
and sometimes both.
For
example, if your case theme is “greed,” tell the story of how the greed
unfolded. Ask yourself continually “And then what happened?” Tell the story of
the events to yourself by answering that question again and again. No matter
how complex or business-oriented the case, there is always a sequence of events
that can be told.
Good
stories have clearly defined heroes and villains. Describe the conflict between
the parties as a human conflict between heroes and villains. Your “hero” may be
flawed, but he or she must be presented as a hero if you want the jurors to
root for your side.
Show, for
example, how your client is upholding a culturally approved goal or value. Even
if your client is the victim, show not just that he/she was damaged, but that
he or she upholds worth goals, such as the right to proper care, the right to
expect safety in operating a vehicle/machinery. Too often we forget that jurors
need someone to root for, not just someone to pity.
