Advocacy reminder

Adam Lamparello, writing for Appellate Advocacy blog gives some reminders on  to increase the persuasive value of your arguments.
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1.    Keep it simple, talk like a normal human being, and get out of the weeds.

2.    Address the court’s questions and concerns.
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3.    Acknowledge weaknesses in your argument.

• Nobody is perfect, as the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial so clearly showed. And no argument is perfect. You will almost always have to address unfavorable facts or law.
• The worst thing that you can do, however, is to evade, minimize, or offer unpersuasive explanations for unfavorable facts or law.

4.    Be passionate and emotional (when appropriate).
It’s important, as an advocate, to show that you care. For example, Camille Vasquez’s cross-examination of Amber Heard demonstrated that Vasquez believed strongly that Heard was lying and that Depp had been defamed. In essence, believing in your argument increases the persuasive value of what you say. 

5.    Be likable and relatable.