One of the true legends of American trial law, Russ Herman, brings his wit, knowledge and unbridled passion for the law to this inspiration and information packed program. You will enjoy and long remember this day of learning, laughter, and thought-provoking insights.

A trial lawyer must be acutely aware of courtroom space - to determine the critical area, claim it, and use it. Russ provides a "stage plan" that leaves nothing to chance - from relationships with court personnel to interaction with the judge and jury.

Jury selection commands as much of your shrewdness as any aspect of trial - you want a group that will listen objectively and decide fairly. Learn to read your jury. What are you telling the jury before you speak a word? Voice volume, speech pattern and gestures can support or contradict every word you utter. You can and must control every aspect of communication at trial. Russ teaches control with precision.

The elements of a powerful opening statement - structure, language and visual aids - are concrete and indispensable. You must master each component to build a strong case foundation - a concise outline of the case which persuades the jury. Russ gives you the techniques to open with style and confidence.

Even before our ancient ancestors learned to communicate through writing, they told stories. The earliest pictograms tell of victories over - or fears of - ferocious beasts. Our history is a string of stories. When you stand before a jury, you will tell a story - with characters and themes and plots. Whether it is one of murder and intrigue, of commercial disruption, or of a breach of contract, the elements of the story remain. The skill of the storyteller determines if the jury "gets it." Russ Herman is a master at blending classical techniques into contemporary settings so that his audience - his jury - feels the story.

Russ exposes and exemplifies the 45 common rhetorical and oratory techniques available to incorporate into your case stories. He punctuates the presentation with examples from his own experience and from other noteworthy courtroom veterans, highlighting his points with video drawn from popular as well as legal venues.

Closing arguments are quite dramatic in the movies. In a real courtroom, though, theatrics are no competition for a memorable, factual, well-shaped argument. Preparation, structure, persuasion and honesty are the keys. Review your opening statement. Re-master all of your facts. Recognize any errors made during the trial and amend them with a strong, believable and relevant closing.