Rex Parris
Rex Parris discusses the neurology of the courtroom and tools of persuasion that he has used in his own trials, including how trial advocates can embrace vulnerability.
Show notes
- Rex explains his unconventional start and how he learnt to deal with fear.
- Lawyers are the last to show vulnerability but showing vulnerability is what connects us.
- Reverse the roles: by playing the witness and answering questions, you can get into see the world as they see it and speak their language.
- Once you have all the power in the room, don’t do anything to look like a bully as people will immediately have you once you do. There is no need to be mean. You can be a very good advocate and vulnerable.
- Angles make all the difference: pointing while you are facing someone or to an angle makes.
- Rex shares how he is no longer afraid of hostility and enjoys moving people over.
- Use breathing exercises to control your fear and anxiety.
- Why Rex thinks metaphors are so important and how he uses them.
- How to diffuse your opponent’s metaphors by using reversals.
- When dealing with experts, explore the concept of “Negative space” – what didn’t he or she do or consider
- Make sure you have full understanding of the words experts use.
- Juxtapose expert evidence with the real world, e.g. would the doctor seek a second opinion for his child?
Books mentioned:
Metaphors We Live By, George Lakoff & Mark Johnson
Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman
Duped: Truth-Default Theory and the Social Science of Lying and Deception, Timothy R. Levine
Courses mentioned:
Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College
Case Analysis
Rick Friedman’s Seminars
