Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling audiobook cover - Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling

Using Stories to Advocate, Influence, and Persuade

Jonathan Shapiro

3.9 / 5(139 ratings)

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Mind Map

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling
The Value of Storytelling
Shared goal of lawyers and TV writers is winning over audiences.
Evidence provides the characters, motivations, actions, and conflict.
Winning stories attract clients, win cases, and secure promotions.
Law schools ignore storytelling, focusing only on dry, technical research.
The Rhetorical Triangle
Ethos (Credibility)
Logos (Logic)
Pathos (Emotion)
Courtroom as a Performance
Treat the case like a movie: story, script, and actors.
Watch legal films to study successful courtroom delivery techniques.
Add emotional notes to your script to maintain authenticity.
Actionable Narrative Tactics
Persuade with compelling narratives, not legalistic mumbo-jumbo.
Frame every case, even bureaucratic ones, with heroes and villains.

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
According to the text, how do most law schools approach the skill of storytelling?

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling — Full Chapter Overview

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling Summary & Overview

Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling (2016) reveals the unexpected relationship between screenwriting and the art of presenting a legal case. These are two disciplines that both rely on great storytelling skills and effective rhetoric. So with the aid of real-life examples and tips people in television and film, you’ll find out how you can use the art of storytelling to craft compelling cases that will keep the courtroom riveted.

This is a Blinkist staff pick

“I love all the quirks and oddities of human behavior showcased in these blinks, they make for great conversation!”

– Ben H, Head of Editorial at Blinkist

Who Should Listen to Lawyers, Liars and the Art of Storytelling?

  • Lawyers looking to up their storytelling game
  • Anyone wanting to uncover how successful lawyers win cases
  • Budding public speakers interested in the art of rhetoric

About the Author: Jonathan Shapiro

Jonathan Shapiro, Hollywood screenwriter, journalist and practicing attorney, is a jack of many trades. His writing credits for television include many popular legal shows such as The Blacklist, Boston Legal and The Practice.

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