The Gift of Vulnerability

Like most of you I have taught in many different countries, but I am always moved when I realize that the skills we teach are truly universal. When you get a chance to teach persuasion in a different country, with a different culture, it is a blessing. Suddenly you are divorced from the cultural shorthand that you normally use to transfer an idea to a student. You are forced to rely upon your ability to clearly define a moment in the performance, and then translate that moment into a teaching opportunity. In a way you are vulnerable when that happens, in much the same way as the student is vulnerable every time they perform in front of you. That vulnerability is a gift. It opens doors to communication and gives you a fresh perspective on things.

I got to experience that vulnerability recently, and am grateful for it. It is amazing that so many of the things that challenge us in advocacy remain the same, regardless of the language, court system, or the like. I saw finger rubbing, ring twirling, add on words, lack of eye contact, all of the things that you see when you teach. I also saw a fierce desire to learn coupled with a belief that practical education in the art of advocacy is a higher level of education and one that is to be sought out at each and every opportunity. I also was reminded of how a deep connection to our cultural roots can infuse our advocacy with humor and passion. Those lawyers, from all over Europe and Asia, see advocacy training as something that is crucial to the quality of their practice, and necessary to their individual growth. Seeing seasoned professionals so focused on skills education was a moving experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to be with them as they continue on their journey as a trial advocate.

It made me think about the joy we get from teaching, from coaching, and from writing. We are blessed to do this for a living, and I just wanted to share that thought with you. It has been a rough few years in legal education, with a few more rough years to follow. We are fortunate to have the compass of skills to guide us through these troubled times. Isn't it nice that everyone else wants to use it too?

All the best,

CR