Persuasion/Drama I 1 credit hour, Pass/Fail Courtroom

Prof. Janet Metzger janet@janetmetzger.com 678-596-7247

Course Focus: An introduction to the art of theater as it applies to the persuasion and motivation of jurors, using lectures, exercises, readings, play or film attendance, performance and video playback. Course Objectives: 1. To introduce basic acting, directing and writing tools a lawyer needs to motivate and persuade jurors, and apply these tools to courtroom performance. These tools include but are not limited to concentration, observation, storytelling, spontaneity, and physical and vocal technique. 2. To give the student practical experience applying these tools to the presentation of openings and closings as well as questioning witnesses and jurors. Major Themes of the Course: 1. How does a lawyer use vocal and physical techniques to generate interest and maintain juror focus? 2. Why is juror point of view so important? 3. How does one see from someone elses viewpoint? 4. What does it mean to be yourself? Why is it necessary to develop acting skills as a lawyer? 5. Of what value are emotions in a trial? How can the lawyer use imagery to evoke the desired juror response? 6. What DO you do with your hands? Required: Personal trial practice journal (a composition or similar notebook or loose leaf pages) Handouts as needed Performance Goals: 1. Create a believable character to serve as a juror. 2. Conduct a brief voir dire of the jury created by the rest of the class. 3. Memorize and perform a short poem. Student will exhibit purposeful movement and gesture as well as vocal expressiveness, and make eye contact with his/her audience. 4. Write a 10-word telegram for each case assigned. 5. Conduct the following, using physical and vocal skills learned in class. (Skills include but are not limited to: standing without notes and talking to the group; making eye contact with individuals; moving from a neutral position; using different areas of the courtroom with ease) a. direct exam using only the briefest outline b. cross exam, extemporaneously c. 3-4 minute opening and/or closing without notes

Attendance Policy: You learn to act by doing. Most of what we cover in this class can only be learned by attending class and participating in the exercises. Only two absences will be allowed. For each absence you must contact three classmates and, based on their information, submit a written summary of what they learned in class. In addition, lap-tops may be used in class only for class notes. Failure to follow policy is a violation of the professional conduct code. Class Structure: Classes will consist of a mini-lecture on the topic; physical and/or vocal exercises to build skills; theater games to develop awareness and concentration; a variety of forms of individual performance with video playback and analysis.