Speak Up and Stand Out: Mastering Communication and Public Speaking for Lawyers

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Ann's contact information:

Ann Timmons

Communications Artist

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

703.244.7546

www.anntimmons.com

follow me on X: @annspeaks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-timmons-communicationssartist/

🔑 Key Takeaways:

👉 Public Speaking: It’s Normal to Feel Nervous

• Nervousness isn’t a flaw—it’s your body’s natural reaction to standing out.
• Manage it with deep breathing, standing tall, and aligning your body.
• Turn that nervous energy into confidence by channeling it into preparation and practice.

👉 Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

• Stop with the “angry parent” pose! Crossed arms or rigid stances scream unapproachable.
• Use open, confident gestures to build trust before you even say a word.
• Your body is part of your message—don’t just say it, show it.

👉 Authenticity Wins Every Time

• Ditch the lawyer jargon; speak like a human being who cares.
• Whether in a courtroom, conference, or Instagram reel, connect by being you.
• Simplify your language. Nobody’s impressed by “navigate the immigration puzzle”—just say, “help you stay in the U.S. legally.”

👉 Active Listening for Better Team Communication

• Don’t listen to respond—listen to understand. Reflect back what you heard before jumping to conclusions.
• Feedback isn’t an attack, so don’t get defensive. Use a “yes, and” approach to build collaboration instead of conflict.
• Some conversations are too important for email or Slack. If there’s tension, have a real conversation.

👉 Your Voice Is Your Power—Invest in It

• Your voice is your moneymaker. Learn how to control it, modulate it, and make it resonate.
• Avoid monotone delivery or “vocal fry” (that raspy, dragging sound). Instead, practice varying your pitch and tone.
• Warm up your voice before big presentations like you’d stretch before a workout. Your breath is your fuel—use it.

👉 Stage Fright? Sweat Through It Anyway

• Nervous? Good. That means you care. It’s okay to sweat, clench, or even black out a little—just don’t let fear stop you.
• The audience doesn’t notice half of what you think they do, and they’re rooting for you to succeed.
• Use relatable storytelling to connect, engage, and keep their attention.

👉 Lawyers on Video: Lose the Robotic Delivery

• Add energy and enthusiasm to your videos—it’s not a deposition, it’s a chance to show your personality.
• Use conversational language, focus on your audience’s problems, and talk to them, not at them.
• People don’t connect with perfection—they connect with authenticity.

👉 Your Voice Is a Skill—Train It

• Vocal coaching isn’t just for actors. If you’re a lawyer, you make money by speaking, so learn how to do it better.
• Work on the basics: breathing, pacing, and enunciation. Mastering these will elevate your presence.
• Practice subtext—know the emotion behind your words. You’re not just saying things; you’re making people feel something.

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