Body Language in the Courtroom: Winning Without Words

Body language, or the nonverbal cues and signals we give off through our movements and expressions, plays a critical role in the courtroom, often conveying more than words themselves can express. 

A significant percentage of communication is non-verbal, making body language a powerful tool in legal proceedings. Every raised eyebrow, slumped shoulder, or nervous fidget can influence the way a judge, jury, or opposing counsel perceives the evidence presented. As such, mastering the art of nonverbal communication in the courtroom can mean the difference between winning and losing a case. 

Common Body Language Cues in the Courtroom 

When it comes to body language in the courtroom, there are several common nonverbal cues that are observed and analyzed by those present. Facial expressions, for instance, are a crucial aspect of nonverbal communication that can signal a range of emotions, such as anger, confusion, or disbelief. A witness who appears visibly uncomfortable or nervous can also convey a lack of credibility, making it important to maintain composure and confidence throughout the trial. 

Posture is another significant element of body language, as it can convey authority, attentiveness, or relaxation. A confident and upright posture can signal to the judge and jury that a witness is credible and knowledgeable, while slouching or fidgeting can indicate nervousness or a lack of confidence. Gestures, such as hand movements or pointing, can also be interpreted in various ways, making it crucial to be mindful of their use. 

The impact of body language on the legal system is significant, as it can influence the perceptions and decision-making of the judge and jury. Nonverbal cues can add context to verbal statements, emphasize key points, or contradict spoken words, leading to either a stronger or weaker case. For instance, a witness who avoids eye contact while giving testimony may be perceived as untruthful, while one who maintains direct eye contact can be viewed as confident and honest. 

On an episode of our podcast, Discussions at the Round Table, Matthew Morr of Ballard Spahr, detailed a personal experience he witnessed in the courtroom. He recalls:

One of the best cross examinations I’ve ever seen was by my partner Drew Petrie on an expert in a lost profits case. When the direct examination was happening, the expert witness was sitting with great posture and seemed very confident in cross examination. In the first two questions, Drew Petrie was able to impeach him. As the examination went on, the guy’s posture got worse and worse and worse to the point that he was practically hiding behind the witness by the end of the examination.  

This example demonstrates how body language can completely derail an expert’s testimony, and why preparation for these moments is critical. Despite starting off strong, the expert made his lack of confidence clear to the audience through his change in body language. 

Maintaining Appropriate Body Language 

The importance of maintaining appropriate body language throughout the trial cannot be overstated. Inconsistencies between verbal and nonverbal cues can raise doubts about a witness’s credibility and negatively impact their case. Being mindful of common nonverbal cues, understanding their impact on others, and maintaining appropriate body language can help witnesses and legal professionals communicate more effectively without saying a word. 

Nonverbal Communication Strategies in the Courtroom 

Nonverbal cues can enhance the persuasive power of verbal statements, influence the emotions and attitudes of those in the courtroom, and convey confidence, credibility, and authority. Therefore, it is essential to develop an understanding of specific nonverbal communication strategies and their effectiveness in different scenarios. 

Facial expressions alone can paint a detailed picture of a person’s emotions or inner thoughts. Dr. Nathaniel Herr, Associate Professor of Psychology at American University, recently spoke with us about the global understanding of facial expressions. 

One key finding from [facial expression expert and researcher Paul Ekman] involved having Stanford students pose different emotional faces, angry, sad, and happy, and taking pictures of these students. Then he had access to a tribe of native individuals in New Guinea who had very limited contact in an isolated area. He was able to access this group and took these pictures over to them, establishing through a translator that some of those individuals recognized the emotions on the Stanford student’s faces. He also took pictures of those folks in New Guinea and brought those pictures back to Stanford and found there was a mutual agreement that this is what a happy face looks like and identified these six core facial expressions (happiness, anger, sadness, disgust, surprise) that are universally understood by humans, regardless of language, and exposure.

Eye Contact as an Expert 

One of the most fundamental nonverbal communication strategies in the courtroom is eye contact. Direct eye contact conveys confidence, credibility, and honesty, making it a powerful tool for witnesses and attorneys. However, it is essential to strike the right balance between making eye contact and avoiding staring, as excessive eye contact can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating. 

Hand Gestures as an Expert 

Hand gestures can also be an effective way to enhance verbal statements and convey authority. For instance, using open and expansive hand gestures while emphasizing key points can enhance the persuasiveness of an argument. However, it is important to avoid excessive or distracting hand movements that can detract from the message being conveyed. 

Posture as an Expert 

Posture is another critical nonverbal communication strategy that can communicate authority and confidence. An upright and open stance conveys confidence, while slouching or crossing arms can signal discomfort or defensiveness. In addition, mirroring the posture and movements of the judge or jury can build rapport and enhance credibility. 

Effectiveness of Different Body Language Cues 

The effectiveness of different body language cues depends on a range of factors, such as the cultural and social context of the courtroom, the personality of the witness or attorney, and the type of case being presented. For instance, in a case where emotions are high, a more assertive stance and hand gestures may be appropriate, while in a complex and technical case, direct eye contact and a calm demeanor may be more effective. 

Body Language in Witness Preparation 

When preparing a witness for trial, it is important to consider the role of body language in supporting their testimony. Effective coaching can help witnesses communicate their message confidently and persuasively, while also building rapport with the jury. Witnesses can be coached to use open and expansive gestures, maintain good eye contact, and adopt a confident stance. It is also important to advise witnesses on how to avoid nervous behaviors, such as restless legs or excessive blinking, which can detract from their credibility. 

In a recent episode of Discussions at the Round Table, Dr. Eric Cole, Founder & Director of Secure Anchor and Cybersecurity expert provided a depth of insight into trial preparation for expert witnesses. This includes a gem on why mock trials are important for practicing body language, “I find that the mock cross is a lot more about me being able to keep the same tone, keep the same expressions, the same answers, and the same body language as opposed to what they really ask in the mock. I joke that I want somebody to be aggressive and yell at me. I just want to stay calm, cool, and collected. To me, that is more the practice of delivery than what you say.” 

Building Rapport with the Jury 

Body language can also play a critical role in building rapport with the jury. This can be achieved through positive and engaging nonverbal cues, such as smiling, nodding, and maintaining eye contact. These cues can help witnesses connect with the jury on a personal level, making them more relatable and trustworthy. 

Addressing Body Language Issues 

Addressing body language issues in witnesses can be challenging, particularly when nervousness or inconsistency is a concern. However, there are several techniques that can be used to address these issues, including relaxation exercises, role-playing, and video analysis. By addressing these issues early in the preparation process, witnesses can become more comfortable and confident in their body language, allowing them to effectively support their testimony. 

In Conclusion 

In the legal system, where every word and gesture matters, body language is a powerful tool for communicating effectively and persuasively. From the way witnesses present themselves to the way lawyers cross-examine, body language can significantly impact the outcome of a case. Nonverbal communication strategies such as maintaining good eye contact, using appropriate hand gestures, and adopting a confident stance can help to create a positive impression on the judge, jury, and opposing counsel. 

By coaching witnesses on how to use their body language effectively and addressing any issues early in the preparation process, witnesses can become more comfortable and confident in their nonverbal communication skills. By developing a thorough understanding of body language, lawyers and witnesses alike can become more effective communicators, increasing their chances of success in the courtroom.

For more than 27 years, Round Table Group has helped litigators locate, evaluate, and employ the best and most qualified expert witnesses. Round Table Group is a great complement to any litigator’s quest for an expert witness and our search is always free of charge. Contact us at 202-908-4500 for more information or start your expert search now.