March 5, 2010
"Beyond Mad Men:
The Science of Persuasion"
The ability to persuade is the core of advocacy—whether in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial. Dr. Abbott will present an overview of rhetoric and oratory advocacy from the time of Aristotle, to the study and science of persuasion. Using historical and empirical data, he will show how lawyers can hone their advocacy skills by applying often the neglected techniques we have learned from the study and science of persuasion.
For more information on this event, go to http://www.osbarcle.org/Brochures/2010/LI10.pdf
November 11, 2009
"Getting Inside The Minds Of Those You Need To Convince:
What Gets A Jury To Decide In Your Favor?"
Dr. Abbott addressed the 3rd Annual Obstetrics conference, attended by nationally recognized plaintiff and defense trial lawyers from around the country. He presented examples from mock trial deliberations that showed how surprise issues can become a jury's focus when deliberating brain-damaged infant cases. He also presented new research findings on how different types of damages presentations can have a dramatic effect on damage awards.
Participants reported that they had gained a whole new perspective on how to present a more persuasive case.
For more information on this event, go to tinyurl.com/AbbottObstetricsLecture
September, 2009
In a recent study, we heard some very encouraging words about one of our clients:
"Alta Bates is known for dealing with premature babies. Like no other hospital in the Bay area. You have Stanford and you have Alta Bates. Those are the two top hospitals. When my water broke at 25 weeks my midwife called us back and said:
'Don’t even come to Valley Care. Go to Alta Bates. Now.'
I don’t know if the mother was supposed to go there [Alta Bates] in the first place but it could have been that her doctor said:
'Oh if that’s going on with you now at 29 weeks you need to go there [Alta Bates].'
You know he refers them to the best. If you have a heart attack, even Kaiser patients are sent to Summit because they're the best cardiology hospital in the Bay area.
From the Editor:
Congratulations, Alta Bates! Your reputation in the community will certainly help if a verdict must be read in a future case.

June, 2009
In a recent publication of "Physician Insurer," Dr. Abbott describes the science of reading juror reactions during trial. This article describes the largest study of its kind ever undertaken on how to scientifically read, record, and analyze over 16,000 juror responses to witnesses and issues, and how their verdict preferences changed over the course of a 3-month trial.
Download the publication here: Jury Signs.pdf
We also invite you to visit us weekly at www.JuryBehavior.com. We will also soon have various news feeds and social networking links available so you can have our latest results delivered right to you. Stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, should you require any assistance on any upcoming cases, please don't hesitate to call one of our offices (JBR offices) or e-mail us at info@JuryBehavior.com.
Visit www.JuryBehavior.com frequently to stay current with jury research and related news. You'll be among the first to see what's new from just-released research results, insightful (and entertaining) video excerpts from deliberating mock jurors, and links to other just-published news reports about jury behavior.
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