Courtroom graphics are an effective persuasion tool when trying to reach the most favorable decision for your client. This has been proven time and time again with commercials presented on television. A juror retains 15% of the information they hear and 85% of the information they see and hear. Summarizing detailed information with graphics greatly increases one’s ability to comprehend.

In the right hands, the integration of text, images, data, audio and video can clearly communicate a position and keep listeners interested. Using strong, simple graphics during the opening statement of a trial may establish a roadmap for the duration.

Courtroom graphics also allow the presenter to control the pace of the presentation. Documents need not be shuffled back and forth between parties when they can be displayed on large monitors. Nowhere has the old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" been more aptly applied. Graphics can simplify complicated issues. Time spent presenting a case can be reduced by as much as 50% and the cost of going to trial can be greatly reduced.

Over Presenting Courtroom Graphics

Although multimedia has found its way into the courtroom in a big way over the last decade, it is important to present information clear and straightforward with a minimum of details. Always remember first and foremost that "less is more." Present graphics simply and clearly, and let the explanation of the lawyer ring through. It is important for the verbal presentation to work with the graphic presentation and not overlap or confuse. A lawyer should never read verbatim from the text of a presentation. This bores listeners more than anything else.

Use text and key phrases sparingly. In addition, do not emphasize everything. This will bore the listeners and effectively emphasize nothing. The speaker should modulate their voice and keep the listeners interested. Emphasis should be used selectively for the most important facts of the case.

The size, color and style of courtroom graphics should not be over-exaggerated. Eliminate ornate backgrounds and distracting fonts. Working from a template ensures consistency, and consistency conveys credibility.

Form follows function. Minimize your designs and keep them clean. This approach conveys information quickly and precisely.