By: Tracey L. Schroeder
The WBAI was proud to present “Persuasive Presence: Effective Public Speaking and Storytelling for Attorneys,” a virtual CLE program held on February 26 that empowered attorneys to communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and impact.
Drawing on more than a decade of litigation experience, three TEDxChicago event productions, and six years of private coaching, presenter Rachel Axelrod shared practical strategies for crafting and delivering persuasive messages. Attendees gained valuable insight into not only what to do when speaking publicly, but also common pitfalls to avoid in order to communicate more effectively.
The program also explored the power of storytelling as a tool for advocacy, demonstrating how attorneys can use narrative techniques to build stronger connections with clients, opposing counsel, judges, and juries alike.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Spring 2026 Newsletter on page 57.