Silence as a Technique
Monday, 18 January 2010 12:20
Lawyers are trained to talk. However, Emily Dickinson once said, “Saying nothing...sometimes says the most.” Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. In order to emphasize evidence, and create drama smart California / Placerville trial lawyers use silence to make a point.
A California / Sacramento trial lawyer’s silence while setting up an exhibit or the silence of a witness who refuses to answer can be persuasive during trial. When an California trial attorney pauses to take a sip of water before the next question he can effectively direct everyone’s attention to his next question.
When used properly, the jury will watch every move of the California trial attorney, wondering what will happen. Staring at witnesses after cross examination, accompanied by a long pause before telling the court that there are no further questions is an excellent too.
The California trial lawyer should always resist the temptation to fill the silence with words. Silence can be an effective weapon in the courtroom.