One of the main attributes of a successful lawyer is superb communication ability.
Confident communication when delivering opening statements, negotiating mergers and acquisitions, or expressing your opinion to partners and clients, will ensure you are more influential, assured, and invite attention.
Lawyers are required to be orally articulate, but communication is more than just eloquent speaking. To be a good communicator you must learn how to listen, appear open and authentic, and show interest in other’s opinions and values.
To improve your communication proficiency some useful strategies are outlined below:
Verbal Communication
In this age of digital technologies it is easy to overlook the power of human interactions. We depend more and more on email, texts and so on, for fast communications that verbal exchanges are becoming less frequent.
Negotiations are frequently more successful when handled verbally (either on the phone or in-person), and it engages other levels of connection which can evolve trust and efficiency.
Balance talking with listening for an equal conversation where both parties feel their views are observed, and try not to dominate discussions if you are a natural extrovert.
Listening Aptitude
Communication is a two-way street, so knowing when to stop talking and start listening is a key communication skill.
When people listen to us we feel valued, understood and respected. Connecting with clients is easier if you listen to their opinions, and thoughts, as they feel appreciated.
Lawyers are naturally smart, often anticipating what is likely to be said next within a conversation, however, careful and vigilant listening will often deepen understanding due to other levels of communication becoming apparent. For instance, body language is detectable when you are truly paying attention.
Polish your listening skills by avoiding interrupting when others are talking, becoming comfortable in silence, remaining patient, and avoiding mental rehearsal during conversations.
Good Counsel
Once your verbal and listening skills improve you should notice that more people seek you out for discussion, advice and counsel.
Don’t be shy on offering advice, especially to clients who want you to take action on their behalf, they will appreciate your thoughts, and look for clear, concise answers to their problems.
Openness
Don’t fall into the trap of the omniscient lawyer that knows everything, but sees nothing. Your clients want your advice on specific issues that relate to them, and their business, so don’t jump the gun and make assumptions that are off the mark.
Be patient, and wait for the full information to be stated before suggesting outcomes, advice, or considering options. Be sure you remain open to their viewpoint – listening until they have clarified their position, then offer your opinion and knowledge.
Remaining open to clients, colleagues, and acquaintances also offers you the opportunity to discover new possibilities, and perspectives. They may be have creative ways to tackle issues, and have new ideas that never occurred to you before.
Communicate Curiosity
Asking questions, listening to answers, and responding positively shows, and generates, curiosity and interest.
Asking the right open-ended questions deepens knowledge and understanding of issues, gives awareness of disputes, and reveals information about individuals, or business that can be vital to problem solving and offering good counsel.
Ask thought provoking questions such as, what do you think of that? Or, why do you think that happened? These questions give clients the opportunity to express their personal views, and strengthen their opinion or position. It also ensures you are aware of contextual attitudes which deepens your understanding.
Persuasive Communication
Lawyers are required to be persuasive. It is an essential skill when arguing a case in court, negotiating deals in boardrooms, offering proposals, and acquiring exceptional staff.
Through curiosity and openness you can discover other’s opinions, enriching your knowledge and gaining awareness. This understanding will give you the persuasive edge, and ability to target your arguments according to your audience’s belief structure.
Learning to communicate with a clear, calm purpose shows confidence, and encourages persuasive influences. Don’t let your emotions control your conversational prowess.
Practising these skills frequently, so they become second nature in time, will allow you to master the act of good communication. You can connect with clients and colleagues in a more meaningful way, understand and solve problems with new, creative methods, and be more persuasive in your verbal discussions – all of which are valuable tools for the successful lawyer.
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