Closing Arguments:Discuss the Case, Do not Give a Speech

In order to communicate with sincerity, there must be a body language and eye contact that flows naturally when discussing a case with the jury. The word discussion is important because one should never read to a jury or give them a speech. It is difficult to develop a personal rapport with the jury if one is speaking at someone as opposed to talking with them. While there should be an element of formality to the summation consistent with the seriousness of the cause of action, nonetheless, the summation should be conversational in tone, as if the lawyer is having a serious discussion with the jury trying to convince them of the justness of his cause.
I recommend that the trial attorney prepare a detailed outline of his comments, not a script. If you read a speech the jury will be turned off. If you discuss the case with the jury, they will listen more attentively. When you speak to someone close to you about an important matter, you do not give them a speech, you discuss the issue with them with great earnestness and sincerity. The same is true when you make a closing argument to a jury. You do not speak at them, you talk with them.