Being a good communicator is central to being a good lawyer.
Last month, I sat in on a fireside chat between President Obama and the president of my alma mater, Hamilton College. As someone widely regarded as one of the most gifted public speakers in recent U.S. history, Obama shared the four key skills he believes every great communicator needs. Naturally, I took notes.
What struck me most? Much of what he said are suggestions I’ve been making to our lawyers for years. Hearing them affirmed by one of the best was a welcome reminder of how fundamental strong communication is to legal practice.
Here are the four skills Obama outlined—and how they apply to lawyers today:
1. Write it out.
Yes, this applies to public speaking—but it’s just as important for high-stakes client conversations. Before you present or sit down to discuss a complex issue, take the time to write out what you want to say. This helps clarify your thinking, structure your points, and ensure you’re hitting what matters most. You don’t need to memorize a script, but the act of writing will sharpen your delivery and improve your confidence.
2. Talk like a human, not like a textbook.
This one’s especially for the lawyers in the room. Whether you’re writing or speaking (especially writing!), lose the legalese. It may be second nature to you, but it creates distance between you and your audience—even when that audience includes other lawyers. No one wants to read an article filled with ipso facto or Id. The goal isn’t to sound impressive; it’s to be understood. Save the footnotes for your filings. If someone needs more technical detail, they’ll come to you. That’s the point.
3. Tell stories—because that’s how humans connect.
This is one of my favorite communication principles, and one I’ve talked about frequently: see here, here, and here. Stories are how we make sense of the world. They help people see themselves in your message. When you talk about the law, don’t just list statutes or processes—share an example of how the law affected your client (while protecting confidentiality, of course). Tell a story that shows the outcome, the impact, and your role in achieving it. That’s what builds trust—and makes you memorable.
4. Be a good listener.
It sounds simple, but it’s the most essential skill—and often the most overlooked. Too often, we listen to respond rather than understand. Whether you’re in a client meeting, a courtroom, or writing a blog post, listening helps you meet your audience where they are. Ask meaningful questions:
• What are your biggest pain points?
• What challenges do you anticipate in the next six months—or five years?
• What trends are shaping your industry?
The answers not only strengthen your relationships, they help shape the content you create and the solutions you offer. When you speak directly to a client’s concerns, you become indispensable.
We’re constantly improving our legal knowledge—tracking new legislation, rulings, and regulations. But we sometimes forget to sharpen the most vital skill we use every day: how we communicate.
Taking these four lessons to heart will not only make you a better communicator—they’ll help you serve your current clients more effectively and win new ones.
What would you add to this list?