Ever feel like you're either too loud or not loud enough in court? This episode is all about finding your volume sweet spot—and learning how to intentionally use volume to move, engage, and persuade a jury.

Learn how to adjust your vocal volume based on room size, proximity, and emotional content—without straining your voice or triggering vocal fatigue.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How to adjust volume based on your environment and proximity to the jury
2. Why keeping your volume “steady” might be unintentionally sending the wrong message
3. How dynamic volume helps jurors feel your case, not just understand it
4. The difference between compressive and expressive breath—and why it matters for vocal health
5. How to avoid vocal strain and throat clearing by breathing more strategically
6. A “secret formula” to create emphasis using pitch, pace, and volume

🛠️ Free Resource Mentioned:

🎁 Pace & Pause: The Perfect Pair – A free guide to help you find your ideal pacing and pausing rhythm using neuroscience-backed learning principles. Includes real opening statement examples.

💬 Episode Quote to Remember:

"Volume is dynamic. If you keep it static, you’ll accidentally downplay the danger and dull the impact of your client’s story."

📣 Ready for More?

Be sure to grab your free copy of the Pace & Pause guide at fostervoicestudio.com/paceandpause.

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

And don’t forget—next week we wrap up the 5 Building Blocks series with Tone—the building block that carries emotional truth.

In this episode of the Foster Your Voice Podcast, we continue our series on the 5 Building Blocks of Voice with a double feature: Pace and Melody. These two tools are vital for keeping jurors engaged and emotionally connected to your case.

You'll learn why your natural cadence must be paired with purposeful pausing—not just for drama, but because cognitive overload is real. And when it comes to melody, we’re not talking about singing—we’re talking about the shape of your vocal phrases and how they direct jurors' attention, signal energy shifts, and shape meaning.

If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down for impact, speed up for chaos, or break out of a robotic speaking pattern, this one's for you.

READY TO PRACTICE?

Get the FREE practice guide I've created as a supplement to this episode. It's called Pace & Pause: The Perfect Pair and it gives you step-by-step instructions and practice passages to work on your pacing. I even tell you exactly when to pause. How long you pause is up to you, but the timer is on!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TODAY!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why pausing is essential for juror comprehension

✅ How your natural speaking cadence affects how long you need to pause

✅ How ascending, descending, and monotone melody affect listener engagement

✅ When to break vocal patterns to create contrast and emotional shifts

✅ Why strategic pacing and melodic variety can help you shape how jurors learn and feel

Key Takeaways:

🎯 Pacing is not just about speed—it's about pausing. Jurors can't process information while you're still talking.

🎯 Processing happens in the pause. If you're not pausing, you're not helping jurors “save” and understand what matters.

🎯 Melody shapes energy and focus. It’s not about punctuation—it's about intention and emotional direction.

🎯 All three melody types—ascending, descending, and monotone—have a place. But patterns create predictability, which kills engagement.

🎯 Strategic variation keeps jurors alert and emotionally attuned to your story.

Resources & Next Steps:

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FosterYourVoice

🎧 Missed Episode 13 on Pitch? Go back and listen to build your foundation: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/podcast13

📩 Want personal coaching or have questions? DM Kristi on Instagram/Facebook or email [email protected]

🗓️ Next Episode Teaser: We’ll be tackling Volume—and revealing a secret formula you won’t want to miss.

Keep fostering your voice. Your jurors—and your client—are counting on it.

Your voice is a critical part of your nonverbal communication—but are you using it to its full potential? In this episode, we kick off the 5 Building Blocks of Voice series with Pitch, exploring how shifting between chest voice, middle voice, and head voice can help you hold jurors' attention and guide their decision-making. If your voice stays stuck in one zone, you risk losing engagement. But when you use pitch strategically, you create vocal contrast that keeps jurors actively listening and processing your message.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why staying in one pitch range (especially chest voice) can disengage jurors

✅ How to use middle voice to refresh attention and add energy to your arguments

✅ The role of head voice in voir dire and rebuttals (and how to use it without sounding ridiculous)

✅ A simple vocal exercise to expand your pitch range and bring life to your delivery

Resources & Next Steps:

📺 Watch the YouTube version for a visual guide: https://www.youtube.com/@FosterYourVoice

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

*** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss the next episode in the 5 Building Blocks of Voice series!

Keep fostering your voice, and I’ll see you next time! 🎙️

Jurors come from all walks of life, and their ability to process and engage with courtroom information varies widely. In this episode, we explore the importance of recognizing neurodiversity in the jury pool and discuss practical ways trial attorneys can create a more inclusive, engaging courtroom experience. From avoiding legal jargon to adjusting your pacing and body language, these small but powerful shifts can make a major difference in how jurors absorb and retain crucial case information.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why my role as a “practice juror” in coaching trial attorneys is so valuable
2. The evolving conversation around neurodiversity and why language matters
3. How standardized jury instructions and note-taking policies can create barriers
4. Simple ways to make voir dire, openings, and trial presentations more accessible
5. The power of pacing, pausing, and intentional body language for better juror engagement

Resources & Next Steps:

IG Reel about goals - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF3odyCSsAx/?igsh=MXM2a3FydzNxbzRpbg==

Science on Tap website - https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/

Nat'l Institute of Health - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6513874/

Kara Jorgensen Blog - https://karajorgensen.com/2023/07/30/neurodivergence-and-jury-duty/

Want to improve your vocal delivery? Sign up for a free vocal assessment—email me at [email protected]

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

*** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

🎙 Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review to help more trial attorneys refine their courtroom communication.

Learning is hard—but why does it feel so frustrating, especially when we think we should already be good at something? In this episode, we explore the difference between knowledge acquisition and skill assimilation. We break down why courtroom communication requires practice, intentionality, and patience, even for experienced trial attorneys. And we'll ask the hard hitting question: How is courtroom communication like riding bicycles? 😉

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why acquiring knowledge is fun, but true learning feels difficult
• The brain’s resistance to change and how to overcome it
• Why practicing in low-stakes situations builds real skill
• The importance of coaching and feedback in skill development

Key Takeaways:

🔑 Understanding vs. Mastery: Just because you know what makes a great communicator doesn’t mean you automatically are one.

🔑 Neural Pathways & Resistance: The brain resists change, making new skill development feel frustrating at first.

🔑 Adapting to New Environments: Speaking in court isn’t the same as everyday conversation—it requires intentional skill-building.

🔑 Repetition & Practice: Mastery takes time, and practicing outside of high-pressure situations helps build confidence.

🔑 Support Matters: Working with a coach can accelerate progress and make the learning process more effective.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEexOTvAnD/

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

*** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

In the final episode of our theater-courtroom crossover series, we’re exploring what being a theater actor taught me about trial advocacy. From stepping fully into your role to engaging your jury with imagination and adapting your language for connection, this episode is packed with actionable insights to enhance your courtroom presence.

🎤 Go Bigger: If you feel self-conscious in your storytelling, try pushing a little further. The courtroom requires presence, not self-preservation.

🛑 Avoid Over-Reliance on Tech & Demonstratives: Just like in a black box theater, jurors will create the scene in their minds—if you guide them.

🗣️ Speak Their Language: You’re fluent in legalese, but jurors need simple, relatable, human language to truly engage.

🤝 Connection is a Skill: It’s not about hoping you click with jurors; it’s about learning how to build that connection intentionally.

Mentioned in today's episode:

https://blog.cvn.com/storytellers-lloyd-bell-exemplifies-the-power-of-performance

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

🔹Join the Conversation: Follow me on social media for more vocal and nonverbal tips:

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

*** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

*** FREE DOWNLOAD "The 6 Ingredients of a Perfect Vocal Warm-up" ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/warmup

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review—it helps more trial attorneys find the show! Have a takeaway or a question? Email me at [email protected].

Until next time, keep fostering your voice.

Your beliefs about jurors shape your conduct toward them, and in turn, their actions reflect those beliefs—welcome to the Pygmalion Effect in action. In this episode of Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster, I’m drawing from my years as a choreographer to reveal how high expectations, clear communication, and bold leadership can transform how jurors perceive you and your case.

From setting the stage for success to ensuring your message is simple, clean, and compelling, these courtroom communication techniques will help you lead with confidence and clarity.

✅ Why high expectations elevate juror performance—and how to set them effectively

✅ How to simplify complex arguments so your jury can truly engage and retain information

✅ The power of mirroring—why jurors reflect the energy and clarity you model

✅ The #1 mistake trial attorneys make with flashy presentations (and what works better)

🎭 Jurors are not legal experts—they are an ensemble of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Your job is to guide them through your case with precision and purpose. Just like in a well-choreographed performance, every movement (or argument) should be deliberate, clear, and designed to resonate with your audience.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to choreograph a winning performance in the courtroom!

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

🔹Join the Conversation: Follow me on social media for more vocal and nonverbal tips:

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

*** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

*** FREE DOWNLOAD "The 6 Ingredients of a Perfect Vocal Warm-up" ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/warmup

I never expected to work with trial attorneys, but as it turns out, there’s a natural crossover between the courtroom and the stage. While you’re not delivering a Broadway performance during your opening statement, there’s a lot you can learn from theater arts.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing key lessons from my experience as a theater director—and how they apply directly to your next courtroom appearance.

Coming Up Next Week…

What does choreography have to do with courtroom leadership? No need to put on your tap shoes, but be sure to tune in.

Until next time—keep fostering your voice.

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

*** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

We’ve explored four key truths about vocal development, but today’s episode brings it all together with a guiding principle that transforms how you connect with jurors: Practice Hospitality.

Truth #5: Hospitality is a Courtroom Superpower

Growing up, I saw hospitality in action every week in our home—welcoming guests, elevating others, and fostering meaningful conversations. That same principle applies to the courtroom. Jurors are your guests, and your job is to make them feel comfortable, capable, and included.

How to Practice Hospitality in the Courtroom:

🏡 Welcome jurors like guests in your home—help them feel important, not just hear that they are.

🗣️ Hold your agenda loosely—stay present in voir dire and build connections between jurors.

🎓 Equip jurors for success—teach them in a way that makes them feel smart and prepared for deliberations.

🔗 Create flow and connection—guide the conversation naturally so they engage and invest in the case.

What will you practice this week? Try it out, and until next time—keep fostering your voice.

📩 Connect with Me:

Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: www.fostervoicestudio.com

1. IG: www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio
2. FB: www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio
3. LI: www.linkedin/in/fosterthought
4. Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

*** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION CLARITY ***

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

If you missed last week’s episode, hit pause and go back to Episode #5 to catch the first two fundamental truths of vocal development. But if you're all caught up, let’s dive into Truths #3 and #4—two game-changing principles that will help you build vocal confidence and control in high-stakes courtroom situations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 Truth #3 – We Learn Best in Low-Stakes Situations

Your biggest vocal transformations happen before you step into the courtroom. Discover why practicing in everyday, low-pressure settings (like ordering coffee or pumping gas) is the secret to building rock-solid communication habits.

🔹 Truth #4 – Subtle is Sufficient… Eventually

Jurors don’t need Broadway-level performances—they need clarity and connection. Learn why practicing big vocal and physical shifts in training allows you to make subtle yet powerful adjustments in the courtroom.

💡 Plus, I’ll share personal insights from my experience as a musician and how “learning on the bandstand” applies to your courtroom presence.

🎧 Don’t Miss the Next Episode!

Next week, we wrap up this series with a final truth that might just change your entire approach to courtroom communication. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

👉 Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow trial attorney and leave a review—it helps more attorneys foster their voices with confidence.

Connect with Me:

📩 I'll send you a practical vocal tip on Tuesdays. Get on my mailing list: www.fostervoicestudio.com

📱 Follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio where I give daily communication strategies.

*-*-*FREE GUIDE TO 10x YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT*-*-*

Download Your Guide to Master 6 Emotional Profiles for Clear & Authentic Connection

https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a

Until next time, keep fostering your voice!