Speak too loud, and you risk sounding aggressive.

Speak too soft, and your audience checks out.

Striking the right balance isn’t about picking one volume and sticking with it—it’s about constant adjustment. There’s no set-it-and-forget-it approach when it comes to courtroom communication.

To ensure your voice carries authority without overpowering, consider these key factors:

1️⃣ Room Size: Match Your Projection to the Space

The larger the courtroom, the more you need to project. That doesn’t mean shouting—it means using full-body breath support to make your voice strong, resonant, and clear.

✅ Big rooms → More projection, crisper diction

✅ Smaller rooms → More nuance, less force

A common mistake? Straining from the throat. Instead, breathe low and let your diaphragm do the work. This keeps your voice strong without fatigue.

2️⃣ Jury Proximity: Adjust for Connection

The closer you are to the jury, the more vocal nuance you can use. If you’re standing nearby, a lower, more intimate tone can pull them in. If you’re across the room, you’ll need to project more boldly.

✅ Close proximity → More subtle shifts in pitch and tone

✅ Farther away → Stronger, clearer enunciation

3️⃣ Positioning: Help Them Follow Your Words

Your voice is only one part of communication. Your face matters, too.

Jurors unconsciously read lips and facial expressions to interpret your meaning. If you’re turned away or blocking your mouth with a hand gesture, you’re making it harder for them to stay engaged.

✅ Face the jury when speaking

✅ Minimize unnecessary movement that breaks focus

4️⃣ Emotional Tone: Let the Moment Guide Your Volume

Your volume should shift based on what you’re communicating.

🔥 High-energy, urgent moments? Stronger projection.

🤫 Deliberate, suspenseful moments? Softer delivery.

This contrast keeps jurors engaged and prevents vocal monotony.

Stay Connected to Your Breath

No matter how much you adjust your volume, always breathe low and project from your belly—not your throat.

Why?

✔️ Prevents vocal strain

✔️ Keeps your voice strong and clear

✔️ Helps you stay in control of the room

Courtroom communication is all about adaptability. Stay present, make adjustments as needed, and own your voice with confidence.