Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster

In this episode, Kristi explores why lists are more than just an organizational preference—they're a powerful neuroscience-backed tool for reducing overwhelm and increasing follow-through. She breaks down the Zeigarnik Effect and explains how unfinished tasks quietly tax the brain, fueling stress, imposter syndrome, and mental fatigue. The episode then offers a practical communication tip for trial attorneys: using physical punctuation to help jurors track transitions, prioritize information, and stay engaged without verbal signposting.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why unfinished tasks drain mental energy more than completed ones How the Zeigarnik Effect impacts stress, focus, and follow-through Why micro-actions matter more than motivation How clearly defined tasks calm the nervous system Why "planning" isn't the problem—stalling is How physical punctuation helps jurors recognize transitions Why visual sameness causes jurors' brains to disengage How to use your body to signal authority, contrast, and closure   Key Takeaway: Your brain doesn't need you to finish everything—it needs clarity. Capturing unfinished work in specific, actionable steps reduces mental load, restores momentum, and creates the conditions for better communication and decision-making.   Favorite Moment: The realization that lists don't just organize work—they organize the nervous system—and that naming the next visible action can be enough to bring immediate relief.   Links & Resources: The Zeigarnik Effect https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/zeigarnik-effect   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode helped you feel calmer, clearer, or more motivated, leave a 5-star rating or review—it helps other trial attorneys find this work. And don't miss next week's episode, where we'll talk about how to empower jurors to deliberate successfully. Until then, keep fostering your voice.

In this episode, Kristi reflects on an unexpected insight sparked by a late-night podcast listen—and how it reshaped her thinking about goal-setting, motivation, and decision-making in business. Drawing from philosopher David Deutsch's idea of "following the fun," she explores the tension between long-term strategy and genuine curiosity.   The episode then shifts into a practical courtroom communication tip, unpacking how mismatched vocal and physical energy can quietly erode credibility—and how trial attorneys can use intentional energy to help jurors truly feel the weight of the case.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why over-prophesying the future can stall progress and decision-making How "following the fun" differs from chasing ease or dopamine What energy mismatch looks like in courtroom communication How vocal tone and physical presence affect juror credibility and trust Why desensitization to your own case facts can flatten your delivery How to help jurors engage emotionally without performing or exaggerating   Key Takeaway: The strongest communication—whether in business or in the courtroom—comes from alignment. When your choices align with genuine curiosity, and your vocal and physical energy aligns with your content, you create clarity, credibility, and impact without force.   Links & Resources: Theories of Everything Podcast hosted by Curt Jaimungal https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theories-of-everything-with-curt-jaimungal/id1521758802?i=1000730422818 YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/@FosterYourVoice   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode resonated with you, leave a 5-star rating and review—it helps more trial attorneys find this work. And if you're thinking about how your vocal and physical energy land in the courtroom, stay tuned. Next week's episode builds on this conversation by exploring how to use your body to create intentional punctuation in your presentations. Until next time, keep fostering your voice.

Season 2 kicks off with intention, clarity, and momentum. Kristi welcomes listeners into the new year by sharing her 2026 Word of the Year—Action—and reflecting on how tracking, planning, and consistency only create change when they lead to movement. This episode, also, sets the tone for the season and introduces a foundational communication tip on how to use breath effectively, not just take it in, so your voice carries authority, ease, and connection in the courtroom.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why tracking without action can quietly stall growth How "functional freeze" shows up in high-performing professionals What choosing Action actually looks like (and why it doesn't require perfection) The difference between having breath and using breath while speaking Why breath must participate in sound for vocal stability and presence How inefficient breath use leads to vocal fry, fatigue, and tension A simple low-stakes practice to coordinate breath and voice   Key Takeaway: Growth doesn't happen in planning or tracking alone—it happens in doing. When breath is allowed to fuel your voice instead of being held back, your communication becomes clearer, calmer, and more compelling for everyone listening.   Favorite moment: The realization that tracking had become a place to hide from decision-making—and the shift from analysis to assimilation that inspired the 2026 Word of the Year: Action.   Links & Resources:   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   This season is all about movement, curiosity, and practical application. Tune in next week for the next communication tip, and practice using your breath in low-stakes moments as you move into high-impact leadership.   Until next time—keep fostering your voice.

In this special year-end bonus episode, Kristi invites you into her personal annual process of reflection and intention-setting. She recaps meaningful moments from 2025 — professionally and personally — and shares how consistency, seasonality, learning deeply, and honoring life outside of work have shaped her year. This episode offers perspective for trial attorneys who carry heavy work, reminding you that leadership, growth, and sustainability are built through intentional reflection and aligned priorities.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why taking stock of where you are is essential before setting goals How seasons of life and career naturally shift — and why that's not failure What art, athletics, and storytelling can teach us about leadership and recovery Why completing learning cycles matters more than chasing new information How consistency is built through structure, accountability, and grace The importance of balancing professional purpose with personal "otherness" How reflection and intention-setting can ground you for the year ahead   Key Takeaway: Growth doesn't come from doing more — it comes from paying attention. When you intentionally reflect on where you've been and choose where you're going next, you build consistency, clarity, and leadership that can sustain both your work and your life.   Favorite moment: The insight drawn from watching elite athletes recover quickly from mistakes — reflecting later, but recalibrating immediately — and how that mindset applies directly to courtroom performance.   Links & Resources: Full list & template: 2025: A Recap | 2026: An Intention https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-vW70ULQtv43emY7vimeke--9xvZAGuMKrDH_WExuy0/copy Jon Acuff's goal-setting framework and community https://jonacuff.com/remarkable-you-community Foster Voice Studio speaking & training inquiries https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/workshop   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   Share this episode with a colleague or your trial team as you head into the new year. Be sure to tune in on January 5th for the first episode of Season 2 to hear Kristi's 2026 Word of the Year and how it will shape the year ahead.   Thank you for being part of the Foster Fam — and until 2026, keep fostering your voice.    

In this episode, we explore motivation from two critical angles: what motivates jurors to stay engaged and move toward a verdict — and what actually motivates you to show up grounded, prepared, and consistent in high-stakes moments. Jurors don't get motivated in isolation; they respond to your energy, clarity, and intentionality. And before jurors ever lean in, you have to generate momentum for yourself. This episode bridges courtroom communication with personal practice, showing how relevance fuels juror engagement and how motivation is built through small, repeatable actions — not perfect conditions.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why jurors arrive already managing uncertainty, discomfort, and self-doubt How unfamiliar language and legal concepts increase cognitive distance for jurors Why facts alone don't motivate — and what makes them land How to anchor your case in jurors' shared values and lived experience What "relevance before information" really means in trial storytelling Why motivation isn't a feeling — it's a practice How internal "soundtracks" shape consistency, confidence, and momentum Four practical soundtracks that support action, growth, and follow-through   Key Takeaway: Motivation doesn't start with information — it starts with relevance. Jurors engage when they can see themselves in the story, and you stay motivated when you stop waiting to feel ready and start practicing forward motion. Action creates clarity, not the other way around.   Favorite moment: The reframe that "you don't feel motivated — you practice motivation," especially when paired with the reminder that consistency is built through small, imperfect reps.   Links & Resources: Jon Acuff's Soundtracks https://store.jonacuff.com/soundtracks   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode resonated, share it with your trial team and start talking about how you'll anchor relevance for jurors and sustain motivation for yourselves. And don't miss the upcoming bonus episode wrapping up Season 1 and looking ahead to 2026. Until next time — keep fostering your voice.

In this episode, we zoom out from pure vocal technique and dig into one of the most overlooked communication tools in the courtroom: your face. With 43 expressive muscles firing even when you're not speaking, your facial expressions reveal more than you think — especially to jurors who instinctively read micro-cues for safety, sincerity, and credibility. You'll learn why your "resting face," thinking patterns, stress habits, and unintended microexpressions can either support your message or sabotage it — and how to intentionally build a neutral, open, trustworthy facial baseline that aligns with your storytelling and presence.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why jurors trust your face over your words — every single time How genetics, aging, and habitual expressions shape your resting facial posture What RBF really is (and why it matters in voir dire and trial) How stress, tension, and "thinking face" create misleading microexpressions Why your neutral expression is part of your credibility package Simple daily exercises to train a more open, receptive, and aligned resting expression How an "inner smile" softens your presence without faking anything Ways your face, voice, and message can work together instead of contradicting one another   Key Takeaway Your face communicates before your voice ever does — and jurors believe the face. When your facial expression aligns with your intention and your story, jurors stay open, receptive, and connected. When it doesn't, they disengage before you've even begun. Awareness + a little intentional practice = enormous return on credibility.   Favorite Moment That moment where you describe walking through the grocery store practicing your neutral face and inner smile — a perfect reminder that high-stakes communication is built in low-stakes environments.   Links & Resources Revisit Episode #4 How One Word Can Change Your Year: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/podcast4 Connect with Kristi on Instagram: @fostervoicestudio Email questions or coaching inquiries: kristi@fostervoicestudio.com   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If you're ready to develop vocal presence, refine your nonverbal clarity, and learn how jurors actually perceive you, join the newsletter or reach out for 1:1 coaching. Your voice and your face are telling a story — make sure it's the one you want jurors to hear.

In this episode, Kristi unveils the two personality types that quietly shut jurors down long before your story ever gets a chance to land: the know-it-all and the chronic apologizer. Both create emotional friction that drains jurors' attention and engagement — just in opposite ways. Kristi breaks down how each style shows up vocally and nonverbally in the courtroom, why jurors feel instantly exhausted by them, and how even small shifts in vocal presence, humility, and breath-supported delivery can completely change how jurors perceive you. This is a mindset-and-voice tune-up every trial attorney needs.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why know-it-all energy is instantly detectable — and instantly off-putting — to jurors How insecurity-based communication shows up in your tone, breath, volume, and physical presence The emotional toll both extremes place on jurors (and why that drains their ability to retain facts) What "emotional currency" is and how your delivery either preserves or depletes it Simple vocal strategies to move toward confident, humble authority How breath, pitch, projection, and melody help you communicate conviction without arrogance The small (but mighty) 10% vocal shift that can change juror perception instantly   Key Takeaway: Jurors connect to you before they connect to your case. Know-it-all energy shuts them down and apologizer energy makes them caretake you — both drain their emotional bandwidth. Humility + conviction, supported by intentional breath and steady vocal presence, is the winning middle ground.   Favorite moment: Kristi's description of how the apologizer forces jurors into emotional caretaking mode — and how that completely hijacks their ability to follow the story — is a mic-drop reminder of how subconsciously jurors respond to vocal delivery.   Links & Resources: Email Kristi directly: kristi@fostervoicestudio.com Connect on Instagram: @fostervoicestudio   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   And share this episode with a colleague who might be showing up as either of these extremes (with love, of course).   Until next time…keep fostering your voice.

Jurors don't get real breaks. Not mentally, not emotionally, and certainly not socially. In this episode, we explore how cognitive fatigue shows up inside the courtroom and why even small, intentional pauses in your delivery can dramatically improve juror engagement and listening stamina. You'll learn how micro-pauses, grounded transitions, and light moments of levity create essential "brain rest" for jurors—without derailing your momentum or weakening your command of the room. This episode reframes pauses from something to fear into one of your most strategic storytelling tools.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why jurors hit cognitive overload faster than you think How micro-pauses reduce mental fatigue and increase retention What unpolished moments (tech adjustments, flipcharts, transitions) actually do for juror focus How to avoid turning those moments into emotional labor for the jury A real example from Perkins v. Wabash National Corp. showing how a simple instruction recalibrated the room The difference between light, authentic levity and "trying to be funny" How pauses act as learning tools—not performance weaknesses   Key Takeaway Jurors need mental breaks far more often than you realize—and your delivery can either drain their energy or strategically replenish it. Silence, breath, small transitions, and grounded moments give jurors the reset they need to stay with you, understand you, and remember what you said.   Favorite Moment When the attorney in Perkins v. Wabash National Corp. asked jurors to take out their notepads and write down acronyms, giving them ten seconds of internal focus—and how even watching it later created a noticeable sense of ease and recalibration.   Links to Share in Show Notes: Kyle Cox on autheticity vs performance — https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPq1ksmjm_1/?igsh=cXhwMGI0YW92bHFn FYV #25 - What Jurors Really Need from You: Time — https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/25   **FREE CHEAT SHEET** Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid (and what to say instead) https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/top20   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   Follow the Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster for weekly vocal and nonverbal coaching that helps you communicate with purpose—and on purpose—in every phase of trial. Ready to strengthen your voice, your presence, and your impact? Keep listening, share with your trial team, and keep fostering your voice.

This episode begins with a lighthearted story about outdoor walks and ends with a powerful lesson on nonverbal communication. Kristi explores how a small, intentional gesture—like a nod—can change the emotional tone of an interaction and deepen connection. Whether you're walking past a stranger or speaking to a jury, your breath, presence, and micro-movements tell a story. In this episode, you'll learn how to use breath, facial expression and tone to support your full nonverbal communication strategy so your interactions with jurors feel calm, credible, and human.   In this episode, you'll learn: How breath anchors your nonverbal cues and helps you stay grounded as you communicate Why a single nod, paired with steady breathing, creates subconscious rapport The neuroscience behind mirroring and how jurors (or any audience) naturally respond to your presence The difference between authentic and performative nodding A quick self-check exercise to sync your breath with your gestures   Key Takeaway: Connection doesn't require grand gestures. With a steady breath and a simple nod, you can make your listener feel seen, respected, and safe—whether you're in conversation, on a walk, or in front of a jury.   Favorite moment: "When paired with calm eye contact and a steady breath, your nod helps your listener feel you're with them—not above them. That's the kind of interaction that builds trust."   Links & Resources: Dan Harris' on-screen panic attack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qULQ6Qum3P0 Dan Harris' TEDTalk excerpt: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1379570276542029   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode helped you, share it with a colleague who's ready to stop performing and start connecting.   And don't forget to subscribe to Foster Your Voice Podcast — new episodes every week to help you communicate with purpose, on purpose.

Most trial attorneys think authenticity means "just be yourself." But in this episode, Kristi reframes what authenticity really is — and why your voice isn't something to fix, but something to honor and expand. Through stories from her vocal snapshot sessions, Kristi explores the deep connection between self-perception, vocal growth, and leadership presence. You'll learn why discomfort is a sign of expansion, how your brain resists change to protect you, and what it means to align your voice with who you truly are — not who you think you're supposed to sound like.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why your voice is literally one of a kind — down to the cellular level. How your relationship with your voice shapes your courtroom authority. The real reason attorneys say, "I don't like my voice," and how to change that. Why your brain tells you you're "faking it" when you start to grow. The mindset shift that redefines authenticity as alignment, not comfort. How exploring your full vocal range helps reveal — not distort — who you are.   Key Takeaway: Your voice doesn't make you authentic. It reveals the authenticity that's already there.   Favorite Moment: "Jurors, clients, even your family — they don't want perfect voices. They want real ones. Real voices make people lean in. Real voices invite connection. Real voices lead."   Links & Resources: Listening Experiment https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLqHQizxy55/?igsh=MW43a2N1NzdjcG1tdg== TO BOOK A VOCAL SNAPSHOT SESSION https://calendly.com/fostervoicestudio/30-minute-assessment-clone   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode helped you rethink what it means to "sound authentic," share it with a colleague who's ready to stop performing and start connecting.   And don't forget to subscribe to Foster Your Voice Podcast — new episodes every week to help you communicate with purpose, on purpose.

Your breath doesn't just keep you alive — it brings your stories to life. In this episode, Kristi explores how intentional breathing shapes the emotional rhythm, tone, and impact of your storytelling. From recreating a car crash scene to guiding jurors through reflection and resolution, your breath is what makes a story felt, not just heard. Learn how to move between urgency and stillness, intensity and calm, using breath as your invisible thread of connection.   In this episode, you'll learn: How your breathing patterns shape emotion, pacing, and vocal tone. Ways to use breath to mirror the energy of a scene — from chaos to calm. Why storytelling that "breathes" feels more authentic, cinematic, and memorable. How quick, shallow breaths build urgency and movement. How long, weighted exhales create gravity, empathy, and connection. Why mastering your baseline breath control allows you to flex between emotional extremes without losing composure.   Key Takeaway: Your breath is the heartbeat of your storytelling. It's what makes jurors feel what your client felt — in real time.   Favorite Moment: "Quick, shallow breaths invite panic and urgency. Slow, weighted breaths invite gravity and compassion. Both are necessary — you just have to know when to use which."   Links & Resources: The Curse of Knowledge Study https://ucatt.arizona.edu/news/curse-knowledge Revisit Ep. 36 - How Breathing Shapes Jury Decision-Making https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/36 Listen to Ep. 41 - It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/41   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode helped you rethink how your breath shapes your storytelling, share it with a colleague who wants to make their openings and closings more compelling and emotionally alive.

Most trial attorneys fall into one of two traps when they speak: they either get stuck in repetitive vocal patterns that lull jurors to sleep… or they avoid rhythm altogether and lose clarity. In this episode, Kristi unpacks the neuroscience and strategy behind rhythm as a communication tool — how to use repetition, contrast, and deliberate pattern to make your message stick in jurors' minds long after closing arguments.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why predictable vocal patterns sabotage juror attention. The difference between distracting repetition and intentional rhythm. How Parallel Structure and Juxtaposition give your argument clarity and musicality. The power of the Rule of Three to build momentum and land your point. How to Ring the Bell with a repeatable phrase jurors carry into deliberations. Why rhythm activates both emotion and logic for deeper juror connection.   Key Takeaway: A pattern grabs attention. A break in the pattern keeps it. Rhythm is the architecture of a message that sticks.   Favorite Moment: "Our brains are pattern-seeking. When they can predict where you're going next, they relax. That's why you have to avoid prolonged patterns — not to keep jurors guessing, but to keep them engaged."   Links & Resources: 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact   Want more? 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If you loved this episode, leave a quick review or send it to a colleague who wants to sharpen their courtroom rhythm.   For more resources to help you use your voice — and your rhythm — with clarity and confidence, subscribe to Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster.

Your hands are speaking in court—whether you mean for them to or not. In this episode, Kristi unpacks why gestures matter as much as words, how jurors process them as part of your message, and how you can use them strategically to reinforce rather than distract. Learn how to balance movement so you look authoritative instead of chaotic or rigid, and discover how pairing tone with gesture creates courtroom communication that sticks.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why psychologists call gestures "co-speech gestures" and how the brain fuses words + movement into one message. The difference between quick, sharp gestures and slower, deliberate ones—and when to use each. How mismatched or random gestures overload jurors' working memory and cause distraction. Why purposeful gestures reinforce clarity and credibility while nervous energy undermines both. How to pair gesture with tone for maximum juror engagement.   Key Takeaway: Gestures aren't decoration. They're part of your message. When used strategically, they amplify clarity and trust. When left unchecked, they create confusion and distraction.   Favorite Moment: "This is not a question of style. It's a question of cognitive load. Jurors only have so much working memory to process what you say. If you burn it up with mismatched or distracting gestures, there's less capacity left for your actual case."   Links & Resources: Interview with Daniel Pollack-Pelzner:https://www.pdx.edu/news/genius-lin-manuel-miranda-qa-author-psu-scholar-daniel-pollack-pelzner?fbclid=IwY2xjawNKPSxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaNER6WW13SDN3V3kxYnFwAR6I0Y_30ehGlq5b3-PMjgT2BDueRd_JGkRoeUmJRNIVFk5oaRj6XPpY12wgCg_aem_DSp-OrEtJxGQp2JSY2ICwQ Book "Lin Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist": https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lin-Manuel-Miranda/Daniel-Pollack-Pelzner/9781668014707 Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/top20   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode resonated, leave a quick review or share it with a colleague. For more tools to use your voice—and your body language—with clarity, authority, and impact, stay connected by subscribing to the podcast.

Of all the five vocal building blocks—pitch, pace, melody, volume, and tone—tone is the one most often overlooked. Yet it's also the one that communicates the most: your intent, your sincerity, and the emotional meaning behind your words. In this episode, Kristi unpacks why tone matters so much in the courtroom, how it shapes jurors' perceptions faster than words, and how you can start using it intentionally to build trust, credibility, and connection.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why ignoring tone leads to miscommunication and lost juror connection. How the brain processes tone before content, shaping instant impressions. The difference between harsh, warm, sharp, or flat tones—and how jurors perceive them. Why emotional misalignment (fatigue, frustration, or passion tipping into shrillness) undermines your message. Practical strategies to check, adjust, and align your tone with your intent. How recording yourself, pairing tone with body language, and practicing emotional alignment can transform your courtroom delivery.   Key Takeaway: Tone isn't decoration. It's not optional. It's one of the most powerful building blocks of your voice because it carries emotion and intent—the very things jurors remember most.   Favorite Moment: "Tone is about invitation. Your voice should invite jurors to trust you, not encourage them to resist you."   Links & Resources: Duke University Professor Aaron Dinin: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DAFCs1q9F/?mibextid=wwXIfr Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/top20 Emotional Profiles Guide: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode resonated, leave a quick review or share it with a colleague. And for more tools on using your voice with clarity, connection, and impact, subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Breath is more than survival—it's leadership. In this episode, Kristi pulls back the curtain on how trial attorneys can use breath not just for vocal power, but for nervous system regulation and courtroom leadership. From gospel singing roots to practical techniques like box and triangle breathing, you'll learn how intentional breath control can steady your system, shape juror perception, and give you the stamina to lead with authority in high-stakes moments.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why courtroom breath needs to be more like a singer's breath. How your autonomic nervous system responds instantly to how you breathe. The difference between fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest states—and how breath shifts you between them. Why box breathing and triangle breathing are powerful tools for managing nerves. How your breathing patterns unconsciously influence jurors' emotional state. Practical ways to integrate intentional breathwork into trial prep and live courtroom delivery.   Key Takeaway: Breath isn't just automatic—it's strategic. The way you breathe sustains your voice, regulates your nervous system, and shapes the energy in the courtroom.   Favorite Moment: "Breath isn't just SELF-regulation. It's leadership. Jurors unconsciously borrow the rhythm of your breath. When you're grounded and breathing low and slow, you model calm—and they follow you there."   Links & Resources: TED Talk https://www.ted.com/dubbing/manoush_zomorodi_how_boredom_can_lead_to_your_most_brilliant_ideas/transcript?audio=en&language=en Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/top20   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If this episode resonated, leave a quick review or share it with a colleague. And for more tools to help you use your voice with clarity, stamina, and connection, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Your delivery in court is about more than words—it's about how you keep jurors' brains engaged. Neuroscience tells us the brain loves patterns because they conserve energy. But, once a pattern is predictable, the brain checks out. In this episode, we'll dive into how novelty—surprise shifts in pitch, pace, volume, melody, or tone—keeps jurors awake, attentive, and ready to remember what matters most. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the brain craves patterns but also needs novelty to stay engaged. How monotone delivery triggers jurors' "energy-saving mode." The neuroscience of surprise and dopamine: why novelty boosts memory. Practical vocal tools—volume shifts, pauses, melody changes—that reset attention. How to use novelty generously, without ever becoming "too dramatic." Key Takeaway Patterns make jurors' brains comfortable, but novelty makes them remember. Favorite moment "A pause isn't just empty space. Silence is one of the most effective novelty tools you have. After you land a powerful phrase, just stop. Jurors will lean forward, waiting for what comes next." Links & Resources Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/top20 Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/ If this episode gave you something to try, share it with a colleague who's ready to refresh their courtroom delivery. And don't forget to leave a quick review—it helps other trial attorneys find the show and keep jurors engaged.

Silence might feel like the last thing you want in the courtroom—but when used strategically, it's one of the most powerful tools in your communication arsenal. In this episode, we explore how silence works on both the jurors' brains and emotions, why it helps information stick, and how you can use it to project calm authority. You'll walk away with practical ways to turn pauses into moments of connection and persuasion. In this episode, you'll learn: Why silence isn't empty—it's full of processing and meaning. The neuroscience of cognitive load and how pauses help jurors learn. The three types of pauses—anticipation, impact, and reset—and how to use them. How silence shapes juror perception of your credibility and authority. Simple, practical strategies to practice and plan for silence in trial. Key Takeaway Silence isn't absence. It's presence. When you pause with confidence, jurors don't disengage—they lean in, process, and internalize your words. Favorite moment "A pause isn't nothing happening. A pause is everything happening. Jurors are processing, connecting dots, making meaning out of what you just said. And if you can learn to wield silence strategically, you stop rushing through your case and start letting your words land." Links & Resources Distanced self talk: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Pmm2CxA9z/?mibextid=wwXIfr Jon Acuff "Soundtracks" https://jonacuff.com/books/ Ep. 32 Active Silence https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/32 🎹 John Cage's 4'33" — the silent piece that inspired this conversation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTEFKFiXSx4&list=RDJTEFKFiXSx4&start_radio=1 Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

Ever been in the middle of a crucial point in court—or even at home—when suddenly your voice betrays you? Instead of authority, your pitch climbs higher and higher until you sound anxious, unstable, or even cartoonish. This episode breaks down why it happens and, more importantly, how to fix it. You'll learn the three-step process to ground your body, breath, and voice so you can speak with calm authority, even when emotions are intense. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your pitch rises under stress (and the neuroscience behind it). The three steps to grounding: body, breath, and voice. How jurors unconsciously mirror your nervous system—and why that matters for credibility. Practical ways to practice grounding in low-stakes situations so it's automatic in court. How to express passion and urgency without sounding shrill or strained. Key Takeaway When your pitch climbs, jurors don't just hear anxiety—they feel it. Grounding your body, breath, and voice allows you to project calm authority and earn jurors' trust, even in high-stakes moments. Favorite moment "When your pitch keeps climbing and your voice sounds tight, jurors unconsciously register that as anxiety. If you're nervous, they feel nervous. But when you ground your voice—through posture, breath, and connection—you project calm authority. Jurors think, 'This attorney is confident. I can trust them to guide me.'" Links & Resources 🎙️ FYV #36 - How Your Breathing Shapes Jury Decision-Making https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/36 $7 Mini Training SPEAK SO THEY GET IT: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/speak Free Resource THE TOP 20 LEGAL TERMS TO AVOID: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/top20 Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/ If today's episode gave you a practical strategy, share it with a colleague. And don't forget to leave a quick review—it helps other trial attorneys find the show.

Breathing is something we do all day without thinking—but in the courtroom, how you breathe can make or break your presence. In this episode, I unpack why breath is the most underutilized tool trial attorneys have for grounding themselves, projecting confidence, and even regulating the jury's emotional state. You'll discover how the mechanics of breath affect your voice, how the nervous system responds to shallow vs. deep breathing, and why your breath is contagious in the courtroom.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why shallow breathing leads to vocal strain, fatigue, and tension. How intentional abdominal breathing powers your voice and presence. The neuroscience of breath: mirror neurons, the vagus nerve, and nervous system regulation. How your breathing patterns unconsciously influence your jury's focus and receptivity. Practical strategies to practice deep breathing in everyday "transitional moments."   Key Takeaway: Your breath isn't just oxygen—it's leadership. The way you breathe sets the emotional temperature of the entire courtroom.   Favorite Moment: "Sometimes the most powerful message you give your jury isn't spoken. It's modeled—in the calm of your breath."   Links & Resources: *** Get the $7 mini training *** SPEAK SO THEY GET IT — https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/speak    Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   Subscribe to Foster Your Voice wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode with a colleague who could use a calmer, more powerful courtroom presence.

Clarity in the courtroom isn't about dumbing things down—it's about making your ideas stick. In this episode, we explore why clarity is often confused with oversimplification, how the brain processes language, and what trial attorneys can do to ensure jurors not only hear their message but remember it when it matters most. From word choice to pacing to structure, we'll break down the science of clear communication and how it becomes a powerful tool of persuasion.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why clarity is different from simplification (and why that matters in trial). How jurors process information and the role of "cognitive load" in learning. The neuroscience behind why shorter, clearer statements are more memorable. Practical strategies for delivering complex information in bite-sized, jury-friendly ways. How to use voice, pacing, and nonverbal communication to reinforce clarity.   Key Takeaway: Clarity isn't about making legal arguments smaller—it's about making them stronger. When jurors clearly understand your point, they can retain it, repeat it, and rely on it during deliberation.   Favorite moment: "When you reduce your message to one idea per breath, you're not just speaking more clearly—you're giving jurors the exact size of thought their brain is built to remember."   Links & Resources: Links to Share in Show Notes: Juror trauma study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004723521630054X?via%3Dihub Juror counseling program: https://whyy.org/articles/post-trial-counseling-philadelphia-courts-secondary-trauma/   ***SPEAK SO THEY GET IT MINI TRAINING*** https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/speak   Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   Subscribe to Foster Your Voice wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with a colleague who's ready to sharpen their courtroom presence.