Jury Feedback

I know you’re always trying to improve your trial skills. The information below will take you into the minds of a recent voir dire panel and jury in a case I just recently worked on as a trial consultant.

Voir Dire Panel

• Put down your notes and talk to me

• If you are trying to get to know us, you should talk less and listen more

• I like eye contact

• Didn’t like hearing, “will you promise…” I can’t make you a promise with no information; I feel like you are setting me up.

• Don’t talk down to me.

• Trying to impress the other lawyer doesn’t impress me.

• If you have a bad fact, tell me upfront.

• Don’t try to play on my sympathy – makes me feel like you are manipulating me.

• Tell me a relevant and coherent story that rings true.

Actual Jury

• Respect me.

• Don’t try to snow me and don’t let your witnesses try to snow me.

• Give me ammunition I can use in deliberations.

• Respect my time.

• Be organized.

• Do you really need four witnesses to tell me the same thing?

• Can you reduce the number of exhibits from 200 to 20?

• I tuned you out when you repeat yourself ad nauseam.

Overstating the facts

• Don’t tell me you are going to prove something you cannot deliver.

• “Less is more.”

• Organize and present the case the way it makes sense to me.

Talk to me in plain English

• Why do you use words I have never heard before?

• When I heard doublespeak I lost interest in your message.

• If you use acronyms, consider an exhibit board spelling each of them out.

I’m always watching

• I disliked you when you or your client lost your temper, got sarcastic, acted impolitely or yelled.

• I liked you when even though provoked; you acted like a mature, in-control professional.

• I disliked the way one attorney bullied some witnesses and lost his temper.

• One attorney was a little too dramatic. In his opening statement he screamed a lot. He needed to be a little more professional.

• I am always watching you and your interactions.

• I am genuinely curious about how lawyers really act.

• I watch to see if you treat your subordinates with respect and consideration.

Make it Interesting

• Make your case interesting to me.

• While I don’t expect to be entertained, I do expect you to keep my interest.

• Give me reasons to listen to you.

• Keep your energy level up, even after lunch.

• I expect you to have well-designed exhibits that are readable and understandable.

• I understand a little disorganization. But, not having your exhibits in order irritated me.

In Conclusion

• I compare you to lawyers I see on current TV shows

• I expect you to be a skilled communicator with solid presentation skills and a direct style.

• I left court with a sense of accomplishment.

• I proudly told my friends, family and coworkers about my experience.

• I bragged about the good job I did as a juror.

• I believe my time was well spent.

If I can assist you with a focus group, witness preparation, graphics, animations, or in-trial support, don’t hesitate to contact me.

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