Advertise on podcast: Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster

Are we caught in a cultural tug-of-war between optimizing everything and rejecting optimization altogether? In this episode, Kristi explores the growing tension between perfectionism, productivity hacks, and the pressure to get everything just right versus the counter-trend of embracing imperfection, spontaneity, and a less curated life. She shares her own experience with all-or-nothing thinking, the desire for structure and safety, and the ongoing work of learning to take action without needing every detail figured out first. In the Communication Tip, Kristi challenges a common assumption about courtroom authority: that a deep, booming voice is the gold standard for credibility. Drawing on research involving lawyers arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court and a conversation with client Brian Davis, who secured a record-breaking $101 million verdict, she explains why vocal confidence matters more than trying to sound like someone else. The goal isn't to imitate a powerful-sounding voice. It's to develop the skills to use your own voice with confidence, flexibility, and intention. Key Takeaway You don't have to be perfect, and you don't have to sound like someone else. Whether you're navigating the tension between optimization and letting go, or developing your courtroom presence, growth comes from building skills, taking action, and learning to trust yourself. Your most effective voice is one you can use intentionally and adapt to the moment, not one you're trying to imitate. Favorite Moment "It's not about trying to sound like someone else's idea of a powerful attorney. It's about developing the vocal skills to communicate with confidence, flexibility, and intention." Links & Resources https://www.sciencealert.com/pitch-perfect-lawyers-with-deep-voices-less-likely-to-win Book your FREE Vocal Snapshot Session: https://calendly.com/fostervoicestudio/30-minute-assessment-clone Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   You don't need to manufacture a deeper voice to command a courtroom. You need to develop the vocal skills to communicate with confidence, flexibility, and intention. And until next week...keep fostering your voice.

In today's episode, Kristi welcomes Brian Davis to the podcast to debrief his recent trial that resulted in a $101 million dollar verdict. Brian practices in Asheville, NC. This summer, he spent 6 weeks trying a case about a retaining wall that collapsed, killing 1 and injuring 3 others. We discuss details of his trial prep, challenges he faced during the trial process, and how the jury came to a record-making verdict. We also talk about Brian's experience with vocal coaching, and how he's benefitted both personally and professional by our work together at Foster Voice Studio. Links & Resources Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid (and what to say instead) - https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/top20 FOR PLAINTIFF ATTORNEYS - Free Vocal Snapshot Session - https://calendly.com/fostervoicestudio/30-minute-assessment-clone Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

What does it actually mean to be an introvert? In this episode, Kristi explores introversion through a conversation featuring Simon Sinek, Adam Grant, and Brené Brown, all of whom identify as introverts despite having highly public-facing careers. Their different approaches to social interaction highlight an important distinction: introversion isn't about how much you like people or how comfortable you are around them. It's about how you recharge and regulate your social energy. Kristi shares her own experience as an introvert who loves people, works with people, and spends much of her professional life speaking and coaching. She also explores the importance of self-awareness when it comes to understanding your own social limits and creating the boundaries you need to manage overstimulation. In the Communication Tip, Kristi turns that same idea of self-awareness toward something much more physical: your breathing. She talks about the times she catches herself mouth-breathing or holding her breath without realizing it, and offers a simple reminder to periodically check in with your breathing patterns. Key Takeaway You don't have to fit someone else's definition of an introvert—or an extrovert. You can love people, communicate well, and thrive in highly social environments while still needing significant amounts of solitude to recharge. The important thing is knowing yourself well enough to recognize what you need and giving yourself permission to regulate your energy accordingly. Favorite Moment "Even though I like people, am good with people, and present with people-energy...I am still deeply introverted." Links & Resources Introversion/Extroversion - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HUoopBmMB/?mibextid=wwXIfr James Nester - Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art https://a.co/d/01xuoVKg Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   Take a moment this week to notice how you recharge. Do you feel energized after spending time with people, or do you eventually need to retreat and have some quiet time to yourself? And when you're concentrating or under pressure, what does your breathing naturally do? Self-awareness is the starting point for making intentional choices about both your energy and your communication. Until next time...keep fostering your voice.

Your brain processes questions differently than statements, and that difference can be a powerful communication tool in the courtroom. In this episode, Kristi explores why questions can activate curiosity, encourage deeper thinking, and turn listeners into participants. Rather than simply evaluating information you're giving them, jurors can become cognitively involved in generating their own thoughts and connections. Kristi also explores how the type of question can shape the kind of thinking it prompts: what can invite information, why can invite explanation, how can prompt process-oriented thinking, and what if can open the door to possibilities. In the Communication Tip, Kristi shifts from the content of your communication to the structure of your presentation. Using the analogy of moving from class to class in secondary school, she explains why jurors need clear transitions between sections of an opening statement. Breath, vocal energy, and purposeful movement can all help signal those transitions and give jurors a mental structure for organizing the information they're receiving. Key Takeaway Questions turn a listener into a participant. A good question doesn't just give your jurors something to hear. It gives them somewhere to go. And when you're presenting complex information, clear transitions help them understand where they are, what you've just covered, and what's coming next. Favorite Moment "Questions turn a listener into a participant. A good question doesn't just give you something to hear. It gives you somewhere to go." Links & Resources questions vs statements - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LXXgWE3Qd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Columbia Business School - https://business.columbia.edu/press-release/cbs-press-releases/want-know-what-your-brain-does-when-it-hears-question Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/ Think about your next opening statement. Where are the natural transitions between sections? How will you signal those transitions to your jury? Use your breath, voice, and body to give jurors the structure they need to follow your story and organize the information you're teaching them. And until next time...keep fostering your voice.

Why do people sometimes look furious when they're actually celebrating? And why do we back away and cry when we receive the best surprise of our lives? In this episode, Kristi explores dimorphous expression, the psychological phenomenon in which our physical expressions can look completely opposite to the emotion we're actually experiencing. From athletes celebrating a win to "cute aggression" and the infamous musical "stank face," Kristi looks at the fascinating ways our brains and bodies respond to intense emotion. Then, in the Communication Tip, Kristi shares a lesson from a historical presentation that reminded her just how important grounding and purposeful movement are in the courtroom. Your body is part of your communication instrument, and unnecessary movement can add sensory information that makes it harder for jurors to focus and learn. Key Takeaway Your body is part of your message. Whether you're managing an intense emotional response or simply shifting your weight while presenting, your physical behavior affects how your communication is experienced. Learn to notice what your body is doing, bring your movements under control, and use your physical presence intentionally. Favorite Moment "The skill here is learning to USE your body FOR communication. It's an instrument, just like your voice. It's not just along for the ride. It's part of the vehicle of communication delivery." Links & Resources FREE EMOTIONAL PROFILE GUIDE - https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a Stank face - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DblzP-9tM3A/?igsh=a2s3czM0bmExc200 Cute Aggression - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zqcw96f Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   And until next time...keep fostering your voice.

What if jurors don't make a decision at one specific moment, but instead develop their judgment continuously throughout the trial? In this episode, Kristi explores neuroscientist Thomas James's theoretical framework for decision-making and considers what it could mean for trial attorneys. She walks through a jury deliberation example and offers three practical considerations for thinking about communication as part of an ongoing decision-making process. Then, in the Communication Tip, Kristi looks back at the teachers who made her love learning and identifies one thing they had in common: they communicated genuine curiosity and enthusiasm. She explains how attorneys can use a subtle lift in pitch—what she calls "middle voice"—to bring curiosity and interest into even the most mundane teaching sections of a trial. Key Takeaway The judgment may be developing all along. Instead of thinking about persuasion as something that happens primarily in closing argument, consider how every interaction with the jury contributes to the decision-making process. And when you're teaching complicated or tedious information, use your voice to communicate, "This is interesting. Pay attention." Favorite Moment "Jurors aren't necessarily information processors who sit quietly, take everything in, weigh it all, and then—at some identifiable moment—push the button marked DECIDE." Links & Resources Tom James, neuroscientist from Indiana University - https://www.sciencealert.com/a-neuroscientist-says-your-brain-may-not-actually-make-decisions Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/ Want to make your courtroom communication more engaging without becoming performative? Book a free Vocal Snapshot with Kristi to identify the vocal habits that may be affecting your ability to keep jurors listening, learning, and engaged. And, as always, keep fostering your voice.

In this episode, Kristi explores the idea of hospitality over transaction and how Trader Joe's creates a customer experience built around human connection, curiosity, personalization, and surprise. She draws a direct parallel to voir dire, where attorneys can either treat jurors as individuals to be polled, or intentionally create an experience that helps them connect, participate, and begin functioning as a group. Then, in the Communication Tip, Kristi turns to breath and stress-cycle completion. Jurors are already experiencing stress simply by being in the courtroom, and the substance and delivery of a trial can add significantly to that load. Learn how your breath, pauses, and physical presence can help signal the end of a stressful moment and give jurors an opportunity to reset so they can continue learning and processing. Favorite Moment "Could you dare to try something different with your upcoming trial? Could you just show up with a sincere desire for connection, a mindset of curiosity, and invitation? And keep your mindset open to transformation instead of transaction?" Links & Resources Preston Lee - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LZtsRzJJr/?mibextid=wwXIfr Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2019/10/24/the-5-lessons-from-trader-joes-unbeatable-customer-experience/ Brittany Hodak - https://brittanyhodak.com/trader-joes-customer-experience-strategy-why-it-works/ FYV #22 - The Body Language Fix That Builds Trust and Carries Your Voice Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/

In this episode, Kristi shares a lesson from behavior-change expert Dr. Karin Nordin about the surprising way social media can satisfy our desire for change without requiring us to actually change. Watching someone else cross the finish line, complete a workout, organize their home, or live the life we want can give us a tiny taste of the reward—while we're still lying in bed. Kristi challenges you to pay attention to what your algorithm is feeding you and notice whether you're consuming content about the life you want instead of actually living it. Then, in the Communication Tip, Kristi takes that behavior-change lesson into the courtroom with a powerful idea: meaningful change starts with inconsistency. If the brain relies on patterns to conserve energy, then predictable vocal and presentation patterns can cause jurors to disengage. Strategic pattern disruption through pitch, pace, melody, volume, and tone can reawaken attention and help jurors stay engaged with your case. Favorite Moment "You're both starving to change your behavior AND you've filled up with false accomplishments that prevent you from doing anything about it." Links & Resources Body Brain Alliance / Dr. Karin Nordin — https://bodybrainalliance.com/ Episode 84 — FYV #84 - The Vocal Patterns That Make Jurors Tune Out Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/ And this week, choose one pattern to disrupt. Change your pitch. Shift your pace. Vary your volume. Change your tone. Give your jury a reason to wake back up.

In this episode, Kristi explores three "brutal truths" of Stoicism that challenged her: your opinions are your problem, most things are not up to you, and you're going to die. Together, these ideas point toward a more intentional way of deciding where to place your attention, energy, and effort. Then, in this week's Communication Tip, Kristi takes inspiration from Cordelia Cupp, the lead detective in The Residence, and her masterful use of stillness and silence. Whether you're questioning a witness in deposition or trial, or asking questions during voir dire, silence can create space for other people to reveal more than they initially intended to say. The key? Be still. Breathe. Resist the urge to fill the silence. Key Takeaway You don't have to fill every silence. In deposition or cross-examination, stillness and sustained eye contact can create strategic space for a witness to continue talking. In voir dire, resisting the urge to immediately rephrase a question or call on someone can give jurors the opportunity to step into the silence themselves. The skill isn't simply staying quiet. It's learning to stay physically and emotionally comfortable while you're quiet—and using your breath to keep your own nervous system regulated while you hold the space. Favorite Moment "I'll tell you...SOMEONE usually will talk. SOMEONE will volunteer to answer. They'll save the moment. Just give them the opportunity to step into the silence." Links & Resources Ryan Holiday addresses "Broicism" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2AdkAV0k7Bc Ryan Holiday-3 brutal truths of stoics https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DBi2x9BhV/ Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/ If this episode gave you something to practice, try it this week: ask the question, breathe, stay still, and wait.

What can a winning athlete's mindset teach you about becoming a better trial attorney? In this episode, Kristi draws inspiration from Tom Brady and his approach to preparation, practice, humility, and personal responsibility; learning how to stop focusing on what he couldn't control and start maximizing the opportunities he did have. Then, in this week's Communication Tip, Kristi tackles melody—specifically monotone delivery and repetitive vocal patterns. Subtle melodic variation can add clarity, meaning, and engagement to a presentation, while repetitive ascending or descending patterns can fatigue listeners over time. Key Takeaway Make the most of the opportunity you're in—even when it's not the opportunity you wanted. Whether you're sitting second chair, watching someone else lead, or simply developing your courtroom communication skills, there is always something to observe, practice, and learn. As Tom Brady puts it: Work hard. Have humility. Have self-awareness. Know you can do better. Favorite Moment "Do you see those moments as just another way you're getting shafted in the deal? Or do you lean into the learning, and the curiosity?" Links & Resources Tom Brady winning mentality https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DSPzVvbUC/?mibextid=wwXIfr FREE VOCAL SNAPSHOT SESSION: https://calendly.com/fostervoicestudio/30-minute-assessment-clone Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   Want to know whether your voice is helping your jurors listen, learn, and stay engaged? Kristi offers a free Vocal Snapshot Session where she'll assess your vocal delivery, tell you what she's hearing, and help you identify opportunities for greater vocal variety and impact. And if you know a trial attorney who could use this reminder about preparation, humility, or vocal variety, share this episode with them.

In this episode, Kristi explores the difference between beliefs, principles, and values—and why understanding those distinctions can be especially useful during jury selection. Drawing from an interview with Adam Grant and Brené Brown, along with research on terminal and instrumental values, she considers how the things jurors value most deeply can reveal the common ground that connects them to your case. Then, in this week's Communication Tip, Kristi leads you through a practical body scan to help identify where you're carrying unnecessary tension. She encourages you to distinguish between tension that is necessary for the task at hand and tension that has simply become habitual. Releasing unnecessary physical tension may create greater vocal freedom, ease, confidence, and credibility in the courtroom. Key Takeaway Not all juror beliefs are the deepest level of what drives their decisions. Understanding your jurors' underlying values can help you find meaningful common ground during voir dire. Favorite Moment "What is necessary tension that is just part of the job and that you have to manage? And what is unnecessary, habitual tension that maybe, just MAYBE you could try to release?" Links & Resources Adam grant & brene brown: Terminal values vs Core values https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HCdAsN42a/?mibextid=wwXIfr The Meaning Movement: https://themeaningmovement.com/core-values-meaning/ Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   Want to become more intentional about how you communicate with jurors? Kristi helps trial attorneys develop the voice, body, breath, and nonverbal skills that allow them to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and credibility. If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with a colleague or someone on your trial team—and don't forget to leave a 5-star rating and review.

Have you ever noticed that one positive habit seems to spill over into other areas of your life? In this episode, Kristi explores the concept of Keystone Habits—the small, foundational routines that create a ripple effect, naturally improving multiple aspects of life. Drawing from Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit, she explains how habits are formed through a cue, routine, and reward, and why understanding those components is the key to changing behavior.   In this week's Communication Tip, Kristi revisits one of the foundational concepts of courtroom communication: information tells jurors what happened; emotional expression tells them why it matters. She explains the difference between being emotional and communicating emotional meaning through an intentional emotional profile—aligning voice, face, body, and breath to match the significance of the message. When attorneys communicate meaning—not just facts—they reduce cognitive load, improve memory, and help jurors better understand and retain the case.   Key Takeaways Habits develop through a cue, routine, and reward, allowing the brain to automate behaviors and preserve mental energy. Keystone habits are foundational routines that trigger positive changes across multiple areas of life. Jurors don't just need facts—they need emotional meaning attached to those facts in order to understand and remember them. A well-crafted emotional profile helps jurors organize information, reduces cognitive load, and increases clarity throughout trial.   Favorite Moment "Information tells jurors what happened. Emotional expression tells them why it matters."   Links & Resources Keystone habits: Setting off chain reactions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovqfg4uWrTE&t=494s https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/ https://www.businessinsider.com/keystone-habits-that-transform-your-life-2015-8 Download Kristi's FREE GUIDE to 10x Your Communication Impact: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/opt-in-a73db0af-170f-425d-95d6-dfad8837db8a   Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, share it with a colleague, and help more trial attorneys discover the Foster Your Voice podcast.

Have you ever found yourself waiting to feel motivated before getting started on an important task? This week, Kristi explores a mindset shift inspired by author Mark Manson called The Do Something Principle. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, what if taking even the smallest action is what actually creates motivation? In this week's Communication Tip, Kristi draws an unexpected lesson from an all-day educational bus tour. Despite spending over eight hours together, the participants never became a true group. That experience becomes a compelling analogy for jury selection and why attorneys should intentionally create opportunities for jurors to connect before deliberations ever begin.   Key Takeaways Waiting for motivation often keeps us stuck. Action creates inspiration—not the other way around. Small, completed actions build momentum and confidence. Asking "Can I just...?" helps reduce overwhelm and lower the barrier to starting. Jurors don't automatically become a cohesive group simply because they're seated together. Attorneys can intentionally foster trust and collaboration during voir dire through simple group-forming activities. Helping jurors become a connected group can positively influence the quality of deliberations.   Favorite Moment "You don't feel motivated. You practice motivation."   Links & Resources The Do Something Principle: https://markmanson.net/how-to-get-motivated Big Think interview: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DJgdVybjY/?mibextid=wwXIfr Email Kristi: [email protected]   Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/     If you're looking to strengthen your courtroom communication, improve jury engagement, or create more effective voir dire strategies, I'd love to help. Visit www.fostervoicestudio.com to learn more about coaching opportunities, or connect with me on LinkedIn.   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, share it with a colleague, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.   Until next time... keep fostering your voice.

In this episode, Kristi explores two fascinating psychological tools that can help trial attorneys perform under pressure, regulate anxiety, and become more objective in their self-assessments: The Batman Effect and Third-Person Self-Talk. In the Communication Tip segment, Kristi reminds the listener that passion and expertise are valuable—but without vocal contrast, listeners quickly become overwhelmed. She explains why strategic variation in volume creates clarity, emotional impact, and stronger juror engagement than simply speaking louder.   In This Episode, You'll Learn: What the "Batman Effect" is and how it helps reduce performance anxiety What third-person self-talk is and why it improves self-assessment How psychological distance reduces emotional reactivity and increases objectivity How vocal volume influences juror attention and comprehension Why vocal contrast helps jurors distinguish important moments from supporting information   Key Takeaway: Creating a little psychological distance can make a big difference. Whether you're stepping into an alter ego before a high-stakes performance or reviewing your own work through the lens of third-person self-talk, distancing yourself from immediate emotion allows you to respond with greater confidence, clarity, and objectivity. Likewise, effective courtroom communication isn't about constant intensity. The most persuasive speakers know when to turn the volume down, creating contrast that draws listeners in and gives important moments greater emotional weight.   Favorite Moment: "Use volume for contrast, not force."   Links & Resources: The Batman Effect: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200817-the-batman-effect-how-having-an-alter-ego-empowers-you?ocid=global_worklife_rss Third Person Self Talk: https://www.businessinsider.com/study-says-talking-yourself-in-third-person-make-you-wiser-2019-8   Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If you're a trial attorney, consider experimenting with both techniques before your next hearing or trial. Ask yourself, "What would my best courtroom self do in this moment?" Then, when reviewing your performance afterward, replace "I did..." with your own name. That small shift can help you become less self-critical, more objective, and ultimately a more effective advocate. And remember: your voice has far more colors than simply loud and soft. Learning to intentionally vary your volume gives jurors the vocal contrast they need to stay engaged, understand your message, and connect with your case.   Until next time, keep fostering your voice.

In this episode of the Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster, Kristi explores an anxiety-management technique that she's curious about, even if she is a bit skeptical: Worry Scheduling. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the practice involves intentionally setting aside a short period each day to acknowledge and process anxious thoughts rather than allowing them to intrude throughout the day. Kristi shares her own experience with anxiety, particularly during a hormonally-driven season last year, and invites listeners to consider whether this structured approach could be helpful. In the Communication Tip segment, Kristi returns to one of her core teaching pillars: breath. She explains why intentional breath training is essential for trial attorneys, not only to regulate their own nervous systems, but also to influence the emotional state of jurors. She highlights one particularly important application: maintaining regulated breathing during emotional witness testimony so attorneys can model calm leadership rather than unconsciously mirroring stress.   In This Episode, You'll Learn: What "Worry Scheduling" is and how it's used in cognitive behavioral therapy The importance of distinguishing between what you can and cannot control Why breathing is a trainable skill rather than just an automatic bodily function Three reasons every trial attorney should develop intentional breath control Why attorneys should consciously regulate their breathing during difficult testimony   Key Takeaway: Anxiety doesn't always require eliminating worry—it may simply require containing it. Whether through worry scheduling, grounding exercises, gratitude, or another evidence-based strategy, learning to intentionally regulate your thoughts helps you remain present instead of reactive. The same principle applies in the courtroom. Your breath communicates leadership long before your words do. Especially during emotional testimony, regulated breathing allows you to remain grounded while subtly helping jurors stay emotionally balanced enough to continue learning and making thoughtful decisions.   Favorite Moment: "You can't just be in 'hanging out with your client like a friend' mode. This is when you need to regulate your breathing and strategically breathe through the emotional testimony in order to help you stay present, and allow you to model calm containment to your jurors."   Links & Resources: FYV #70 - Calm the Room: What Jurors Need From You First https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/blog/70 The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery https://a.co/d/04INUMFu   Want More? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: https://www.fostervoicestudio.com/contact 👉 Follow me online for behind-the-scenes voice tips, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you lead with your voice in and out of court: IG: https://www.instagram.com/fostervoicestudio FB: https://www.facebook.com/fostervoicestudio LI: https://www.linkedin/in/fosterthought Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fostervoicestudio/   If you're a trial attorney, remember that breath is one of the few communication tools you can consciously train until it becomes automatic. The work you do outside the courtroom—practicing diaphragmatic breathing, regulating your nervous system, and developing calm presence—becomes the foundation that supports your voice, your leadership, and your jurors when the emotional stakes are highest. Until next time, keep fostering your voice.