Many lawyers mistakenly believe that practicing is only for the timid or unconfident. They claim, “I do better when I wing it.”
But who says that’s true?
You’re Not the Best Judge of Your Own Performance
Even if your audience responds positively or you win a case, it’s very difficult to objectively evaluate your own performance. Don’t fall for the myth that your inner legal genius will magically show up when you step up to speak. A common refrain is:
“I want to sound natural, not robotic or overly rehearsed.”
If You Think You Perform Better Without Preparing, Your Expectations Are Too Low
It’s clear that many lawyers skip rehearsing — for court appearances or public speaking — and I believe it comes down to two reasons.
First, some attorneys truly think they’re already excellent and don’t need to improve. They scoff at the idea of practice, possibly because deep down, they’re afraid they’re not as good as they believe. To those lawyers, I say: even the best can improve.
Second, many diligent attorneys simply don’t know how to rehearse effectively. Practicing can feel awkward, draining, or frustrating. So they avoid it, whether intentionally or not, because it adds more stress to an already demanding job.
Practicing Is What Professionals Do — and That Includes Lawyers
Think about how much your favorite athletes or musicians rehearse. They don’t just train — they have coaches helping them refine every detail. They dedicate hours every day to getting better. You don’t need to commit that much time, but even small efforts can have a big impact.
Start with these simple steps:
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Close your office door and set a timer for 10 minutes.
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Stand up and speak your presentation out loud — no sitting, no pacing. Just talk through it.
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Afterward, reflect: What went well? What didn’t? Jot down keywords or notes to remember the strong parts — and the weaker ones you can now avoid.
Keep Practicing
Do this consistently — ideally, an hour at a time across several days. The repetition builds confidence and clarity. As you get more comfortable, consider recording yourself to fine-tune your delivery even more.
In the end, preparation isn’t a weakness — it’s a hallmark of excellence. From astronauts to world-class performers, top professionals rely on routines, practice, and preparation. If you want to be a powerful, persuasive lawyer, make practice part of your process.
