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For those attorneys who choose to pursue careers in government, politics or business, the crucial determiner of success is often the ability to persuade within the public arena. But the fact is that contemporary legal practice requires virtually every attorney to influence an array of "public" audiences: corporate boards, governmental bodies, bar associations, law firm management committees, stockholder meetings, community groups, and the public at large. Indeed, today's complete lawyer - whether deal-maker or litigator, whether in private practice or public service - will persuade audiences beyond those involved in a trial or a negotiation, and frequently when the stakes are highest: - Testimony before Congress during an unfolding crisis - A speech before a community group about a contentious local issue - A memorandum to law firm partners regarding a sensitive issue of associate morale - A make-or-break answer in a hotly contested political campaign debate - A board presentation focusing on global compliance policies In walking into these types of situations, attorneys also step into the tradition of lawyer as leader, with commensurate challenges and opportunities in the world of public persuasion. This course will train lawyers to influence public audiences with both the written and spoken word; it seeks to provide practitioners with four primary tools: (1) an understanding of the lawyer's historical and contemporary role as public persuader; (2) strategic sensibilities in approaching non-lawyer audiences; (3) the tactical ability to use more powerful language and arguments for persuasive effect; and (4) improved capabilities as public speakers/presenters, through intensive practice and critique. Evaluation: Short written assignments, oral presentation, and class participation Teaching Method: Some lecture, discussion, and simulation Prerequisites: None Text: Materials will include readings and multimedia examples from the worlds of law and legal history, speechwriting, business, rhetoric and political communication.