I never talk about work because it's stressful and I try to escape it when I leave work. Today, however, is an exception.
I just conducted a jury trial and am proud of how I performed. It isn't merely that I won the case but the manner in which I accomplished that outcome that pleases me.
In addition to crafting an approach, I persuaded the jury with a lucid story and cogent argument. Those efforts contrasted sharply with my adversary who lost the jurors by rambling and bumbling through his presentation.
What makes me feel really good is that I stood in front of six strangers, spoke to them with confidence and poise, and delivered a compelling narrative that they accepted as true.
I grabbed their attention with my Opening Statement at the beginning of the trial. Later, my Closing Argument had them absolutely transfixed. I had every eye upon me and, rather than flinch from that attention, I seized it to serve my client's interests. My verbal communication was calm, strong and as graceful as I've ever mustered. The experience was supremely rewarding.
You probably don't know this but, as a child, I was very shy. Public speaking terrified me and dealing with strangers was excruciating. I've spent decades overcoming that with hard work and practice. Experience helped me get better, less nervous and more poised. Having and transcending that background is why today's performance means so much to me.
I'm feeling good. :)
