Oral argument pro tip: show your face.

We are heading towards a new normal of all virtual everything. For attorneys, especially appellate ones like me, that means we have to present oral arguments by Skype or Zoom. Being effective will require all of us to pivot our focus onto how to present ourselves (and by extension, our clients) in the best light by video.

Literally.

You don’t want to be in the dark during your oral argument, right? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out the attorney on the right.

He looks like a member of the witness protection program, not the esteemed member of the bar that he is!

The reason he looks like this is because of the bright window behind him (which is lovely for his workspace, I’m sure).

We all have a lot to learn about how to best advocate for our clients during these virtual times, but bringing yourself into the light in your video is a quick and easy way to start. What do I mean? Check out this attorney on the right (yes, it’s me, at a recent oral argument before the Second Department).

How can you brighten your look, too? The answer is counterintuitive: place a light behind your computer. I had an “ah ha" moment when I first heard this advice, and now it makes total sense.

I use a small, warm-colored light that I attach to the back of my computer screen. Ring lights are also popular (just google “video conference light” and you will find a thousand options).

Good luck with your video appearance upgrade!

If you want to share any of your tips with me, leave a comment in the box below or send me an email. I always love to hear from you.

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