Working with a Courtroom Trial Technician: How to Avoid Miscommunication at Trial

In a trial, timing is everything. Evidence must be presented seamlessly, video clips must align with transcripts, and exhibits need to appear on screen the moment they are referenced. Even the strongest case strategy can falter if technical execution is clumsy or delayed. That’s why clear communication with your courtroom trial technician is essential.

Trial technicians are responsible for running the technology behind the scenes, but their success depends on the instructions they receive from the trial team. Miscommunication can lead to missed cues, fumbling for exhibits, or awkward pauses—all of which distract from your message.

Common Causes of Miscommunication

Even experienced attorneys can run into avoidable issues when working with trial technicians. The most common include:

• Unclear exhibit labeling: If multiple versions of an exhibit exist without consistent naming conventions, it can be difficult to locate the correct file under pressure.
• Last-minute changes: Sudden revisions to outlines or witness order without notifying the technician can cause delays during a live presentation.
• Vague cues: Phrases like “pull that document up” don’t provide enough information in the moment. Trial technicians need exact exhibit numbers or clip references.
• Flow assumptions: Attorneys may expect the technician to know when to advance slides or videos, but without rehearsal, timing can easily fall out of sync.

Best Practices for Clear Communication

 To avoid these pitfalls and keep the trial running smoothly, adopt the following strategies:

• Use a master exhibit list: Number exhibits consistently and share the final list with the technician well in advance.
• Provide outlines early: Share daily witness outlines and anticipated exhibits so the technician can prepare and pre-load files.
• Rehearse critical moments: Walk through key presentations together so both attorney and technician understand timing and cues.
• Be specific on the record: Call out exhibit numbers and clip identifiers instead of using general instructions.
• Maintain open communication: Establish a system for real-time cues (e.g., hand signals or simple keywords) to avoid confusion during proceedings.

Why It Matters

When attorneys and trial technicians work in sync, the courtroom experience feels polished and professional. Jurors stay focused on the evidence instead of the process, and the attorney’s arguments land with maximum impact. Miscommunication, on the other hand, distracts from credibility and may undermine the very case being presented.

By investing in preparation and maintaining clear communication, attorneys ensure that their trial technician becomes a true partner in delivering a seamless story—one that supports, rather than interrupts, the pursuit of justice.

Building a Seamless Narrative: Trial Technicians and the Power of On-Screen Storytelling