If you want to be heard, you’ve got to slow down.

I get it—when you’re in the zone, your argument is tight, your thoughts are firing, and you just need to get it all out.

But here’s the thing…

When you speak too fast, your jury isn’t keeping up.

Why Speed Hurts Your Case

Juries don’t just listen; they process. And the brain can’t absorb and analyze information at the same time. If you don’t give them space to catch up, they aren’t following your argument—they’re scrambling to keep up with your words.

And the processing? That happens in the pause.

If you’re not pausing, they’re not processing.

Pacing = Control

Great trial lawyers don’t just talk—they control the room with their presence. And a huge part of that presence comes down to pacing.

✅ Let key moments breathe – Don’t rush through your strongest points. A slight pause makes them hit harder.

✅ Stretch out impactful words – Give powerful phrases space to resonate. Instead of saying, "This was no accident," too quickly, try: "This… was no… accident."

✅ Use silence strategically – Holding a brief pause after a major statement forces the jury to sit with it. Silence makes people lean in.

✅ Infuse meaning into descriptive words – When recounting events, slow down on the details. Let the jury see the moment unfold.

Slow Down to Command the Courtroom

Slowing down doesn’t just make your message clearer—it makes you look like you own the room. Like you’re leading the conversation, not chasing after it.

So take a breath. Set the pace. And give your words the space they deserve.