To be able to accomplish your trial goals, you must have a convincing, relaxed presentation of your case in court. Here are a few tips:

• Observe other trials and court proceedings – Visit the court a day before your trial to listen and observe the judge and the proceeding. This will give you an idea of what to expect, how to act, and how to dress for your day in court.

• Prepare by doing your homework - Get ready for your hearing by interviewing all your witnesses and making them available to testify. Have all exhibits ready. Make copies of necessary documents for the judge and the opposing counsel. Have a notebook ready to serve as your journal for the trial.

• Show respect and courtesy to all parties – Refrain from being too argumentative with the opposing counsel and be in good terms with the judge, jurors, your witnesses, court personnel, opposing counsel, and the opposing witnesses.

• Develop a convincing story for your case – Tell a good and consistent theme for your case. If your case involves a complicated issue, try to tell in layman's terms.

• Show don't tell – Instead of narrating your story in a straightforward manner, use visual images, pictures, exhibits

and videos to make your story interesting.

• Admit your flaws, dismiss bad facts – Be prepared to do some damage control when the opposing party brings up your flaws. Discuss your flaws and be ready to admit and dismiss them, then move on.

• Make your own research on evidence – Make sure that the evidence you will present in court are admissible. Do your own research to ensure they are credible and will help to prove your case.

• Pay attention to the jury – You should pay attention to the jury's reaction and be aware of their demonstration or explanation whenever required.

Besides observing these guidelines during a court trial, trial lawyers must also consider other elements in court presentation. Here are some of the obstacles toward a compelling storytelling at a trial:

1. the nature of adversarial process

2. the rules of evidence

3. inconsistencies and other credibility problems

4. complicated subject matter

Adversarial Process

First and foremost, trial is adversarial. Each party has competing interests and conflicting versions of events. In many ways, a trial is a contest between two or more competing stories. These stories can create a fragmented and confusing compilation of facts. The trial lawyer must bring order out of the chaos. Telling a compelling story, which eliminates unnecessary facts, emphases strengths, and minimizes weakness is critical to effective advocacy and proving of a case.

Rules of Evidence

The rules of evidence, including the rules against hearsay, can hamper an attorney's ability to tell his client's story. But the rules of evidence may cut both ways. A series of strong, well-founded motions can severely undercut an opponent's ability to tell his client's story.

Credibility Problems

Credibility is vital to success at trial. If an attorney tells a story that proves untrue, even on the most minor detail, the jury will question all other aspects of the attorney's case. Once credibility is destroyed, it is usually destroyed forever. Therefore, everything must be done to avoid inconsistencies as well as exaggerations and omissions of harmful facts which will be brought up during trial.

Complicated Subject Matter

Trials may be complicated enough even without a complex subject matter. A lawyer who finds himself trying to deal on a complex issue must be able to identify the big issues in the case and eliminate the rest. He must have the ability to sift through the maze of words and ideas. The attorney who is best able to present a clear and convincing story has better chances to succeed at trial.