Related Posts
Anyone go to Stetson Law and end up in big law?
Enthusiast
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
Sign Up to see all discussions
- Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
- Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
- Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
"" is an unusual email domain. If correct, please proceed to the next step
Messaging rates may apply
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
Share
Embed this post
Copy and paste embed code on your site
Preview
Download the
Fishbowl app
Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile
Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl
Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl
Messaging rates may apply
Posture - imagine you are on stage or on horseback or doing ballet. Anything that has you stand up and requires confidence.
Practice speaking in full sentences and make sure they end on a lower note and if it needs to be a question make it a soft one rather than a lot higher.
Lastly, and maybe stupidly, I have looked at both male and female lawyers who have that gravitas or confidence and have adopted some of their speech patterns.
I’m 5’4 (average height for a woman in the US) so not exactly petite but in my head I’m 6’4. I started deluding myself about that when I was young and doing theatre (only way I could get onstage without vomiting) and at some point I started really believing it even though I know it’s factually not correct lmao during law school multiple (tall!!) guy friends said I give off 6’4 energy. Highest praise ever! Fake it til you make it. All this to say this is not about literal height or even loudness but presence!
Yes, having done plays has served me well.
Learning to take pauses and not fill space with throw-away words and phrases. Cut out the “um”s, “ah”s, “like”s, “you know what I mean?”s. It’s hard, but very impactful.
Generally getting comfortable with silences. I get so many concessions (transactional) because I let awkward pauses hang and let the other side try to fill them, but I understand it can work wonders in depos as well.
Following. Great tips so far. Funny how our physical size (or imagined size) has such an impact on the psyche.
Rising Star
I’m also short and I’ve been told multiple times that I “seem taller”.
I simply speak like I expect I will be heard. If you behave like you can’t imagine why someone wouldn’t listen to you, you’d be surprised how many people believe it too.
As for volume, I’ve found that being soft spoken is better as a female litigator. You will never match a man for aggression. Cool, calm, and collected plays much better.
I’m technically petite but I never think of myself that way. In my mind, I’m a woman to be reckoned with.
Don't be afraid of silence. If someone says something outrageous wait two beats before responding so everyone can marinate in the absurd/offensive statement. If you need to gather your thoughts take the time to do so projecting the knowledge that everyone will wait until you're ready to speak because you're that damn important.
Don’t dress to recede in background. Also, project your voice! Practice being load enough to be easily heard