strategy Archives - Executive Presentations

March 12, 2012

Evidence At Trial: Building A Comprehensive Presentation Strategy

Simplify and clarify your story for the jurors by using visuals to shine a spotlight on your best evidence By Rick Kraemer and Adam Shea “Please be good enough to put your conclusions and recommendations on one sheet of paper in the very beginning of your report, so I can even consider reading it.” — Winston Churchill With the preparation of any trial presentation, there are always three crucial components involved: the evidence, the technology, and (the most critical) delivering a clear story to the jury for the achievement of a verdict. Let’s call them the “what,” the “how” and the “why,” respectively. During the construction phase of a trial presentation, there’s an understandable tendency to pay more attention to the “what” and the “how.” But by shifting the focus away from the “what” and “how” and more toward the “why” you can and will create a more targeted and comprehensive presentation strategy that yields greater impact. Motivating a jury to get from A to B is a complex task. Jurors are subjected to bombardments of information, and have their own personal distractions with which to contend. Beyond the cultural and educational differences, people have different ways of learning and […]

March 30, 2012

Preparing Effective, Convincing Visuals For Trial

Nowhere is the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” more true than in the courtroom. By Rick Kraemer Every attorney would agree that early and thorough preparation is essential to the success of a case. Many attorneys, however, fail to realize that proper preparation is also critical when it comes to developing visual aids for trial. Early visual aids planning will enhance your oral presentation and go a long way in creating an effective and convincing presentation before a judge or jury. When is the best time to begin developing visuals? As soon as you know that your case is headed for arbitration or trial. Set aside an appropriate amount of time to discuss your case with a graphics consultant who can then help you devise a graphics strategy that will best help convince a judge or jury to your interpretation of the facts. While attorneys often feel comfortable absorbing information by wading through reams of written documents, members of the general public do not. More and more, they are used to and expect to receive information visually. Television news clips and instant access to graphically enhanced information over the Internet means jurors have less patience and […]

August 1, 2013

First In A Series: An Ounce Of Prevention

With the upcoming annual Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) Convention — the largest trial lawyer convention in the nation — scheduled to take place beginnning August 29 in Las Vegas (and Executive Presentations proudly exhibiting there in Booth No. 308), we decided in the next few weeks leading up to that event to serve up segments online of an article on trial presentation technology by our Rick Kraemer that appeared in the May 2013 issue of CAALA’s Advocate magazine. Titled “An Ounce of Prevention,” Rick takes an in-depth look at how the available technology can make — or potentially break — a lawyer’s case, and he starts it off by recalling a recent exclusive visit to the world-famous Jet Propulsion Lab and how a conversation with one of the fastest men on the planet, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Full Throttle Drag Racer Dave Grubnic, led Rick to draw comparisons between his professional experience and the racing champion’s: I recently received an invitation from Bob Girardi (Tom and Jack’s brother) to attend a private tour he had arranged at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. Among the guests was Bob’s friend “Aussie” Dave Grubnic, a professional NHRA Full […]

August 8, 2013

Second In A Series: An Ounce Of Prevention — Computer Systems, Components, And Software

With the Consumer Attorney’s Association of Los Angeles’ (CAALA) annual Las Vegas Convention arriving August 29, we’re serializing a feature article on trial presentation that appeared in the May 2013 issue of CAALA’s Advocate Magazine. Last week, Rick started off the series by recalling a recent exclusive visit to the world-famous Jet Propulsion Lab and how a conversation with one of the fastest men on the planet, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Full Throttle Drag Racer Dave Grubnic, led Rick to draw comparisons between his professional experience and the racing champion’s. This week he bullet points the key issues regarding computer systems, components, and software: • A poorly chosen system can be monstrously incapable of performing the tasks for which it is intended. Computer processor technology has developed rapidly and anything older than three years may not process large graphic, video or trial database files adequately. • While you do not need to buy the latest software as soon as it hits the market, your software should be no more than two versions behind. • Make sure you have adequate file storage space on your server, along with routine backup systems and controls in place to protect the integrity and […]

August 20, 2013

Fourth In A Series: An Ounce Of Prevention — Video

Previously: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 With the Consumer Attorney’s Association of Los Angeles’ (CAALA) annual Las Vegas Convention arriving August 29, we’re serializing a feature article on trial presentation that appeared in the May 2013 issue of CAALA’s Advocate Magazine. Last week, Rick looked at the technology and tactics that will put less error in your trial. This week he explores the power of video and how it is much more than just lights, camera, and action: Videos can be powerful persuaders when used for settlement or trial, such as in wrongful death and personal injury matters. Whether a video is presented to corporate mediators, opposing counsel, an insurance adjuster or jury, a well-made video places the decision-makers directly inside of your client’s condition. When it comes down to the final decision, it is the facts of the case that will determine its outcome. But the added depth and dimension provided by an insightful video presentation can facilitate a clearer and quicker understanding of the issues and experiences, and often result in more favorable outcomes. However, there are some risks involved if you decide to make a video yourself instead of hiring a professional video producer. […]

August 22, 2013

Last In A Series: An Ounce Of Prevention — Graphics

Previously: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 With the Consumer Attorney’s Association of Los Angeles’ (CAALA) annual Las Vegas Convention arriving August 29, we’re serializing a feature article on trial presentation that appeared in the May 2013 issue of CAALA’s Advocate Magazine. Earlier this week, Rick looked at the power of video as a presentation tool and how it is much more than just lights, camera, and action. In the final installment of the series, he wraps things up by giving you the big picture on graphics: Graphics are meant to supplement your arguments, not replace them. Or to put it another way, your exhibits should support your positions, not serve as advocates in and of themselves. Graphics are used to dissect complex material into palatable bits of visual information for the jurors. When graphics of any kind are prepared properly using the right emphasis, flow, and color psychology, they will achieve these objectives. Here are ways to create graphics that simplify, rather than convolute your arguments. • Use visual aids We have become a visual society. Jurors, like the rest of us, process the information they receive primarily through sight. People retain only 30% […]