DICTAcareers
Power of
the Voice
in the Courtroom:
The
An Insider’s Account
Debbie Chatting, an International Voice Coach, specialising in Voice for
Advocacy and Managing Director of Voice
Synergy Limited, presents the benefits of
vocal training for aspiring advocates.
L
ast year, I was inspired to visit the Royal Courts of Justice in The
Strand, in order to gain first-hand knowledge of how the advocate’s voice was used in this most prestigious of legal forums in the
land.
The interior of law court number four was architecturally awe-inspiring, almost intimidating with its arching high ceilings of carved
stone, raised platform at the front containing three wigged and robed
Lords Justices of Appeal in ordinary with a large carving of the Lion
and the Unicorn behind and ancient leather-bound books lining the
walls to each side of them.
I noted that one’s voice could bounce off the hard stone, be lost
in the vaulted ceiling or simply fail to reach across the bar to the Judges.
The barristers who speak here are experienced, seasoned advocates, used to a courtroom environment. This was an opportunity to
observe the types of voice of those involved: their breath, posture and
use of their voice and also to better understand the pressures of delivering the voice in this serious and formal environment.
I also noted that this courtroom was redolent of a theatre. A sense
of hushed anticipation just before the curtain rises and the three appeal
judges enter the stage. The first barrister rose to his feet and addressed
the judges, to be immediately interrupted by the senior judge, cupping
his hand behind his ear and saying, ‘Your voice is too... or I’m deaf!’
This was the very first exchange of words and already the barrister had
misjudged the power of his vocal delivery and undermined his own
credibility.
I listened attentively to this barrister’s voice and observed the accompanying body language. I observed a lack of breath support, tension in his neck, little chest resonance and although I heard a good variety of tone, the full range was far from being utilised. Furthermore, his
tone was not confident and he didn’t appear to believe in what he was
saying. A positive pitch would help credibility, I thought. As the case
continued, the opportunities to present an interesting delivery were lost
again and again. It was not long before the senior appeal Judge again
cupped his hand behind his ear and demanded, “Not all were...?” as the
barrister had again failed to provide enough breath support to carry »
38 | DICTA 2013