This chapter provides an understanding of why students and professional lawyers need good oral communication skills. It explains the difference between verbal skills and non-verbal skills such as eye contact and body language. It then shows students how to develop these skills to have their voice heard. Guidance is provided about how to deliver an effective presentation during legal studies, whether in class, for an assessment, or otherwise, such as in a law clinic. It then proceeds to consider how to develop these skills for practice, and provides guidance as to why, when, and how a lawyer must employ persuasive oral communication with clients. The particular issues arising from online communication, such as on Teams and Zoom calls, are explored.
Chapter
10. Persuasive oral communication and presentations
Scott Slorach, Judith Embley, Peter Goodchild, and Catherine Shephard
Chapter
11. Client interviews and meetings
Scott Slorach, Judith Embley, Peter Goodchild, and Catherine Shephard
This chapter builds on the learning from Chapter 10 about persuasive oral communication skills. It considers these skills specifically in the context of client interviews and meetings. It covers interview role-plays and assessments in academia, and interviews, meetings and calls in practice. A flowchart is provided for use as a guide on how to structure an effective first meeting or interview with a client. Consideration is given to the importance of rapport and how to establish it. Information is provided on the particular advantages and challenges of meeting using legal tech, including over the phone or in video conference, and how to overcome those challenges. Guidance is provided on effective note-taking and the production of an attendance note.
