The benefits of demonstrative visual exhibits have proven
enormous. Post trial jury interviews with jurors confirm what studies have long shown:
remembering and understanding testimony is the key to its believability. Jurors have
commented on how helpful visual aids were in their decision process.
These benefits are not, however, automatic. Improperly used or hastily designed
exhibits can have the opposite effect. They may damage or not help your case. Successful
visuals, like successful arguments, require careful planning and preparation.
Your visual evidence is supposed to show good communications skills. Opposing
counsel is bound to claim your exhibits are too sophisticated or too Hollywood. Remember,
jurors expect sufficient time and effort has been expended to help them understand your
arguments and arrive at a verdict.
Many trial lawyers begin assessing the potential need for visual aids early in the
discovery process. When complex issues and technical aspects arise, they start a list of
facts and concepts which appear difficult to understand, or require explanation by an
expert. This list forms the basis for potential visual evidence.
For no surprises - use V.E.C.'s On-Line to approve all
exhibit work in progress
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Demonstrative visual
evidence exhibits isn't just products...charts, photos, video tape etc. It's a process
which begins with your first phone call to a full-service Exhibit Specialist.
Whatever you decide, the foundations of effective presentation remain the same:
know your subject, know your audience, prepare thoroughly, and use quality visual
evidence.
It may be just the advantage you need to tip the scales of justice to you and your
client.
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