DON'T STAND BEHIND THE PODIUM
Avoid standing behind the podium whenever possible. The podium creates a physical barrier between you and the judge or jury and limits their ability to see your body language. Stepping out from behind the podium allows you to gesture more naturally, project confidence, and engage more directly with your audience. Judges, jurors, and witnesses are generally more responsive when you are physically open and visible.
WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO GESTURE
If you feel awkward or unsure what to do with your hands, lightly grasp your thumb with your other hand, keeping the backs of your hands facing the audience. Brian K. Johnson calls this the "Secret Hand Shake". This neutral position helps reduce nervous movement and makes you appear more natural.
Gesturing is an important part of an effective presentation, but it should feel natural. Forced or exaggerated gestures can be distracting. Brian K. Johnson identifies three basic types of gestures: 1) The give; 2) The show; and 3) The chop. See Brian K. Johnson on gesturing. While it's perfectly fine to practice these three types of gestures, it should be done naturally and not forced.
DON'T BE SCARED OF SILENCE
Do not be afraid of silence in the courtroom. Many speakers feel pressure to fill every moment with words, but judges and jurors understand that attorneys may pause to consult notes or gather their thoughts. Strategic pauses can actually be effective, giving the judge and jury time to process what you have just said.
