Exploring both the conscious and the subconscious.
We believe that when the jury is learning new information, two things are happening simultaneously. First, the conscious mind is memorizing such vital information as names, dates, places, and more. Second, the subconscious is finding ways to understand the new information by arranging the facts into a story and comparing this newly created narrative to information that is already familiar.
Developing a concrete story
Through our Mental Mining® methodology, we consciously search for the relevant metaphors, analogies, and themes that the subconscious creates to make sense of new and complicated information. Working with you and your team, The Focal Point will:
Facilitate a guided discussion during which we will explore subconscious associations to develop and refine a story that is understandable and persuasive to a jury.
Ask probing questions designed to help you think about what really matters in your case, the answers to which ultimately lead to more persuasive arguments.
Listen critically both to what is being said directly and what is being inferred to ensure that we delve into important ideas and themes.
Record images, analogies, and other descriptions that come up spontaneously as we examine the particulars of your case together. Every "this case reminds me of" or "this case goes to prove the adage that" is documented and saved as a potential visual cue.
Challenge you when your story needs clarification or constructive narrowing.
By the end of a Mental Mining session, we will have developed a story that can be the fundamental basis for your case, a case strategy, and a list of potential visual tools that will communicate the facts and themes of the case clearly and convincingly.
I learned long ago that going to trial without Chris Ritter and The Focal Point, involved early in trial planning and brainstorming about the message and how to deliver it, is foolhardy.
John Keker—Keker & Van Nest