David Dempsey: Turn Legalese into Legal Ease

On September 25, 2002, Atlanta attorney and author David Dempsey conducted an entertaining and informative program at the law school entitled, Turn Legalese into Legal Ease. Mr. Dempsey spoke at the law school this spring and he was back by popular demand. His program was based on his recently released new book, Legally Speaking: 40 Powerful Presentation Principles Lawyers Need to Know. The book was written to help law students and attorneys speak with power, passion and persuasion every time they speak, in every setting, in or out of the courtroom. The book has been endorsed by Senator Bob Dole, Senator Bob Kerrey, Governor Carl Sanders, Governor George Busbee and a host of prominent national attorneys. The book will be the basis of the accredited programs Mr. Dempsey plans to provide to law students, law firms, and in-house counsel nationwide.

Mr. Dempsey has 25 years of experience as a professional speaker, two decades as a practicing lawyer and a general partner in the Atlanta law firm of Coleman & Dempsey, LLP, and 16 years as an adjunct public speaking professor at Oglethorpe University. Mr. Dempsey had some frank advice for those in attendance:“Words are essential tools for attorneys. We do not drive a truck, toss a football or swing a hammer to make our livelihood–we use words. Your ability to communicate your ideas with confidence and conviction is critical to your success as an attorney.” While he speculated that the vast majority of attorneys would agree with that statement, he also feels that most attorneys are far less effective than they need to be: “Our brilliant thinking is often lost in a thicket of cluttered organization, baffling legalese, and dispassionate communication.” He offered many suggestions such as:

1. Prepare and Practice: “There is no substitute for thorough and detailed preparation. If your presentation begins to crumble because you are unprepared, you will pray that the stage will open up and swallow you . . . and your audience may join in that prayer.”

2. Limit Your Points: “Don’t overwhelm your listeners with a blizzard of information. Your position is typically more persuasive if it is concise and focused.”

3. Open and Close Every Presentation with Impact: “The opening and the closing of every presentation is critical. Begin in a manner that will immediately captivate the attention of the audience (a shocking statement, a challenge, a question, or a quote) and close leaving your message ringing in the ears of your listeners (a call to action or an uplifting quote).”

4. Breathe Life into Your Talks: “Attorneys make far too many dull, dreary and pedantic presentations. Make your speech lively by selecting vivid, colorful words, by eliminating verbal clutter and by polishing the content to set images floating in the minds of the audience.”

For more presentation tips or information on Legally Speaking, see Mr. Dempsey’s website, www.legallyspeakingonline.com.