Checklist for Using Courtroom Technology: Summary

Keep Focus on Your Client’s Story…Not Technical Difficulties!

An attorney recently told me he would never use any form of technology in the courtroom: He always got a shiver of joy when he saw opposing counsel show up with a laptop, as he anticipated the myriad of technical difficulties that would ultimately and inevitably shift the verdict in his favor.

Used correctly, however, technology in the courtroom will fortify your client’s story and render your case far more compelling. Preparation is the key.

Over the next five days, I will unfold a checklist to ensure you keep the jury focused on your message!
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The first item on the list involves the projector -- the tool that enables you to reinforce your verbal message with powerful visual images. Your ability to move seamlessly to the images you wish to display hinges on doing the groundwork in advance!

PROJECTOR

• COMPATIBILITY: Make sure your computer is compatible with the courtroom projector
• CABLES: Be sure to have all the necessary cables & connections
• CORDS: Where are the outlets you will need to plug into? Think of...
• ELECTRICAL OUTLET LOCATIONS – basic yet oh so critical!
• EXTENSION CORDS – an essential if outlets are limited
• DUCT TAPE – no need for undo embarrassment or an additional lawsuit because someone -- possibly you! -- trips over electrical cords

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Positioning is critical: The impact of your visual message will be lost if the jurors can't see it, or if the audio you wish to play (911 call? heartbeats on an EFM?) can't be heard! Do the legwork beforehand to ensure your message is delivered clearly and efficiently.

POSITION

• CONFIGURE: Map out where every piece of equipment will go, with connection points and electrical outlets included
• CONSIDER LINES OF SIGHT: Is there a glare that will impede a juror’s view of the screen? These tasks seem simple in concept. However, old courtrooms can be quirky. Don’t be caught off guard!

Know how to:

• ADJUST THE SCREEN ANGLE
• DRAW THE BLINDS
• DIM THE LIGHTS
• ADJUST THE AUDIO: Always do this before the jury enters the room. Old courtrooms can have funky acoustics. What you hear at the podium may be unintelligible to those sitting in the jury box

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Your visual message should fortify what you say, not repeat it. This is especially true if you are using PowerPoint. Keep your written slides broken up into easily digestible bites. Your presentation is intended to emphasize the facts -- it's not a script for you to follow. Keep it short and simple.

Consider a stop sign: It merely says, "STOP." Just think what would happen if the sign read "WILL YOU PLEASE DRAW YOUR CAR SLOWLY & STEADILY TO A HALT?"

EDIT

• Make sure type faces are no smaller than 24 pt
• Try to have your slides abide by my rule… No more than 14 bullets points of 7 words or 7 points of 4 word
• Know how your projector works
• If you are going to be putting a deposition or other text-intensive document onto the court-provided projector, make sure you know how to use its enlargement function or have a blown-up copy of the passage you plan to use
• Preview your presentation or visual aids in advance to make sure they are clearly visible at a distance comparable to the gulf between the screen and the jury box

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You have invested time & effort developing your case. Don't skimp on the investment with a guaranteed payoff. Practice, practice, practice!

PREPARE

• CREATE LINKS FOR YOUR DESKTOP: Clearly label all files you might use and directly link them to icons on your desktop. Arrange them logically.
• CLEAN UP YOUR DESKTOP: The only icons on your desktop should be the ones you will potentially use. You don't need that off-color joke that your buddy emailed you last week accidently popping up on the screen!
• PRACTICE: Pull up each file, sub-file, etc. Make sure every link to every file works properly

HOWEVER, if you skipped a few prep steps & run into a snag in the courtroom, don't panic ...

• PREVARICATE: If you happen to be asked for a document you didn't anticipate using and aren’t sure if you are opening the right file…
• PLACE: Put a piece of paper over the projector to black out the screen until you are sure you have the correct document
• PAUSE: Cough, sneeze or yawn. You will be surprised at how many of the jurors follow suit… thus diverting their attention while you regroup
• PRODUCE: You have the file…simply say “Excuse me,” take a sip of water, then deliver your slam dunk!

In trial, a lot is on the line. If you wish to be sure that your case is presented effectively, give Med Art & Legal Graphics a call. Our team of dedicated trial specialists, certified medical illustrators and demonstrative exhibit professionals will make a winning case every time!!!

To learn more about effective courtroom techniques or the latest in trial presentation technology, contact Med Art & Legal Graphics Co. Visit us on our website at www.Med-Art.com, or call me, Laura Quine, at 770-891-3103.