Law

Anyone who works in the legal business knows that communication is both verbal and non-verbal and we also know that the verbal element–that is, the spoken word taken alone–is an extremely unreliable story-teller. This is why all lawyers should know how to interpret a second language. The second language I’m going to talk about is the non-verbal language. First, the non-verbal language creates better communication skills, needed by a lawyer. Second, the non-verbal language would greatly benefit international lawyers. Finally, understanding the non-verbal language will have an impact on future career growth.

First, the non-verbal language creates better communication skills, needed by a lawyer. Witnesses are not always believed despite their credentials and their command of the facts. In some instances, witnesses are believed despite their little mistakes about the same facts. Jury decisions turn on an obscure point either overlooked or understated in the case all because of an insufficient or incomplete understanding of non-verbal communication. In the diverse world of lawyers, the unreliability of the spoken word plays out in cases that are won and lost, which ultimately has an effect on the decision making to the trial judge or jury.

Second, the non-verbal language would greatly benefit international lawyers. Understanding the non-verbal language prepares international lawyers who have to litigate in other countries. It also provides the lawyers the necessary tools to prepare a witness, by knowing the different cultures, customs, and courtesies. Lawyers might not be able to fully understand the verbal language of their witness, but can use their tools of the non-verbal language to coach their witness. Also, the non-verbal language will help a lawyer during the jury selection process. The lawyer’s ability to analyze the non-verbal language while questioning the potential jurors, benefits the lawyer and the client.

Finally, understanding the non-verbal language will have an impact on future career growth. A number of lawyers become judges, and most judges have first been lawyers. In fact, Federal and State judges usually are required to be lawyers. Understanding non-verbal language helps a lawyer transition to a position as a judge and applies the non-verbal skills to listen to testimony and make rulings. Also, a majority of Senators and Representatives are previous lawyers. Senators and Representatives are elected by the people, which means, the ability to communicate non-verbally benefits any lawyer wanting to become a politician. The ability to understand non-verbal language opens up a variety of opportunities for career growth as a lawyer.