2. What can Elizabeth learn by practicing in front of someone who role-plays the judge?

What does she risk if she does not practice this way? Elizabeth K. Tripodi is an attorney in Washington, D.C. She primarily represents shareholders of publicly traded companies in lawsuits against the company when there has been fraud.

For Elizabeth, a successful presentation is multifaceted: “A good presentation immediately provides an overview of where the presentation is going. It involves some sort of visual aid as well so that a listener is engaged both aurally and visually.

Finally, I think anecdotes always make a presentation more interesting.”

When preparing a presentation, Elizabeth meticulously researches and outlines her material. “Research is such a key element, especially when preparing for a hearing before a judge.

You need to be prepared to address any and all of the judge’s concerns. After researching, I outline my presentation. Following an outline ensures that I’m clear, concise, and that my audience can follow my reasoning.”

“After outlining, it’s practice, practice, practice,”

says Elizabeth. “I like to start rehearsing in a room by myself, getting comfortable with the material and my arguments. It also helps me to hear my own voice,” she notes. “I often ask other attorneys to pretend they are the judge hearing my case so that I can practice performing well under pressure and reacting to various scenarios.”