Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster
Welcome to Foster Your Voice, the go-to podcast for trial attorneys ready to unlock the power of their voice. Hosted by Kristi Foster, a vocal and nonverbal communication coach, this show delivers concise, actionable tips to help you build vocal confidence, captivate jurors, and communicate with purpose—and on purpose. Whether you’re preparing for your next trial or seeking to sharpen your courtroom presence, each episode will equip you with strategies to harness your full-spectrum voice and elevate your impact in the courtroom. Ready to speak, lead, and win? Tune in and let’s get started!
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FYV #21 - Speak So They Can Hear You
06/02/2025
FYV #21 - Speak So They Can Hear You
In this episode of Foster Your Voice, we're tackling one of the most common and costly habits smart attorneys fall into: speaking from expertise instead of to understanding. When you forget where your jurors are starting from, you risk losing them before your best material even lands. This episode breaks down how to translate legalese into language that sticks—so your words reach real people, not just legal minds. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “knowing too much” is a communication trap How to speak to jurors using their own words—not yours The difference between showcasing and inviting How to reframe opening statements as acts of hospitality Simple ways to use AI (and your team) to uncover juror-friendly phrasing Why silence in court may be the most powerful move you make Key Takeaway: If you want jurors to adopt your case theory, you first have to meet them in their language. You’re not dumbing it down—you’re welcoming them in. Favorite moment: “Your opening statement is not a showcase. You’re not just explaining. You’re inviting. It’s a hospitality moment.” Links & Resources: Get weekly vocal tips delivered to your inbox: Love the show? Leave a star-rating and a review Connect with Me: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: Want more? Subscribe to Foster Your Voice for weekly episodes on vocal strategy, nonverbal communication, and courtroom connection techniques for civil plaintiff trial attorneys. And if this episode helped you? Share it with a colleague. You might just save a juror’s brain.
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FYV #20 - Vocal First Aid: What Actually Helps When Your Voice is Shot
05/26/2025
FYV #20 - Vocal First Aid: What Actually Helps When Your Voice is Shot
Ever lost your voice right before a big moment? Whether you're in the courtroom or on stage, vocal health is not something you can just “fix” when it breaks—it’s something you build before the crisis hits. In this episode, we’re breaking down the do’s, don’ts, myths, and remedies around vocal fatigue, scratchy throats, and how to actually care for your voice. From salt & vinegar chips to nebulizers to the real role of rest, you’ll walk away with practical tools—and maybe a little tough love—to keep your voice courtroom-ready. In this episode, you'll learn: Why “quick fixes” for a scratchy voice rarely work How saltwater, steam, and nasal flushes can help (and where they fall short) What remedies soothe you vs. what actually reaches your vocal cords The real risks of numbing the pain with sprays and lozenges Why building vocal stamina is your best long-term strategy Key Takeaway: There’s no shortcut for vocal health. You can soothe symptoms—but prevention, rest, breath support, and conditioning are what keep your voice strong under pressure. Favorite moment: “I was shouting at the TV (using good supported vocal tone), 'YES! Let’s give him some voice lessons!'” — when Kristi cheers for better vocal technique during a cycling race recap. 🔗 Links & Resources: Get weekly vocal tips delivered to your inbox: Love the show? Leave a star-rating and a review Get the Vocal Care Cheat Sheet: 👉 Follow me online: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: 👋 Want more? Subscribe to Foster Your Voice wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s keep your voice strong, clear, and courtroom-ready—every single week.
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FYV #19 - Self-care has a PR problem
05/19/2025
FYV #19 - Self-care has a PR problem
When most people think of self-care, they imagine candles, baths, or maybe a vacation. But sometimes the most powerful version of self-care is the quiet, resolute no — especially when that no means honoring who you’ve become, not who you were. In this episode, Kristi shares a personal story that reshaped her view of self-care, and explores how trial attorneys (and high-achievers in general) can redefine care not as indulgence, but as essential fuel for growth and performance. 💡 Key Takeaway: Self-care isn’t always soft — sometimes it’s about saying no, letting go, and trusting that your next version deserves room to grow. ✨ Favorite Moment: “When I said no to something I used to love — not because it wasn’t good, but because it wasn’t me anymore. That was the clearest self-care I’ve practiced in a long time.” 🔗 Links & Resources: Get weekly vocal tips delivered to your inbox: Love the show? Leave a star-rating and a review "Treat Yo Self" Clip from Parks & Rec: 👉 Follow me online: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: 👋 Want more? Subscribe to Foster Your Voice wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a friend who’s outgrowing something — and needs the courage to let it go.
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FYV #18 - Why You Can’t Trust Your Brain (And What To Do Instead)
05/12/2025
FYV #18 - Why You Can’t Trust Your Brain (And What To Do Instead)
Trial attorneys, ever catch yourself spiraling right before opening? Feeling off but blaming it on lack of preparation—even though you know your case inside and out? In this episode, Kristi reveals a powerful truth that could shift everything: you don’t have to believe every thought you think. 🤯 Learn how your brain’s job of survival—not accuracy—can derail courtroom performance, and discover how the CLEAR Framework helps you pause, reframe, and show up as the advocate and leader your jury needs. Plus: a real-world example of what makes someone feel heard—and how attorneys can embody that same powerful presence in voir dire and beyond. 🔗 Episode Links: Download the free CLEAR Framework Guide: (make sure "CLEAR" is in all caps) Soundtracks by Jon Acuff: .. 📬 Let’s Connect: Kristi wants to hear from you! Share what you’re learning, loving, or curious about. Email her at or DM her on Instagram/Facebook. IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: 💬 Favorite Quote: "Your brain’s default mode is not truth. It’s not even growth. It’s safety."
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FYV #17 - Learning to Fail Forward
05/05/2025
FYV #17 - Learning to Fail Forward
Let’s be honest—failure sucks. But avoiding it altogether? That might be even worse. In this episode, I reflect on my newfound fascination with sports—yes, sports!—and the surprising thing I’m learning from athletes that has nothing to do with winning... and everything to do with how they handle losing. 🧠 Inside this episode: How my non-athlete, choir-kid roots made me risk-averse for years What sports like cycling, March Madness, and the NFL Combine taught me about mindset Why athletes seem shockingly good at failing—and how they bounce back mid-game A college voice lesson that cracked open my perfectionism (and sent me storming out...) The Duke University course that literally gave me chills: Learning to Fail A quote from Giannis Antetokounmpo that redefined “failure” forever 💡 Key idea: Athletes fail all the time—on their way to winning. What if failure isn’t something to avoid, but something to integrate? 🎧 Favorite moment: “They just move on. Like…they miss, they mess up, and they just go to the next play. I’m watching that more than I’m watching the score.” 📣 Let’s talk about trial. Trials are hard. You win some, you lose some. Statistically? Civil plaintiff cases are around 50/50. Med mal and federal court? Even tougher odds. So what’s your approach to failure? Are you like my college self—only attempting things you’re sure you’ll get right? Or are you starting to flex a more athletic mindset—staying present, regrouping, and growing? 📬 I want to hear from you. If you’ve ever used a failure as a launchpad for learning or growth, I want to know. ➡️ Email me at Let’s swap stories—and normalize failure as part of mastery. IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: 🔗 Resources & Inspiration: Giannis Antetokounmpo: Mel Robbins: Learning to Fail class at Duke University: Book a free vocal snapshot: 🏀 Final thought: What if failing wasn’t a dead end, but a step forward? Let’s train ourselves like athletes do—fail faster, recover better, and keep our eyes on the long game. Until next time, Keep fostering your voice. 🎤
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FYV #16 - The 5 Building Blocks: Tone
04/28/2025
FYV #16 - The 5 Building Blocks: Tone
It’s not what you said. It’s how you said it. Your tone delivers emotion before your jurors even process the words. And if you’re not intentional with your tone, you may be sending the wrong emotional cues—and shutting jurors down without even realizing it. In today’s episode, we wrap up our 5 Building Blocks of Voice series by focusing on TONE—the often-overlooked element that carries the emotional weight of your message. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn: How tone can create momentum, authority, compassion, or conflict What happens when tone doesn’t match your message (hint: confusion, resistance, and shutdown) Why “doing the voices” helps jurors track who’s speaking and how they feel about it How to calibrate your tone for contrast, clarity, and courtroom connection 🎯 Key Takeaway: Your tone isn’t just emotional—it’s instructional. It tells jurors how to feel, when to lean in, and why it matters. 💡 Favorite moment: “You can’t say, ‘They did this, and this, and this… and then she died’ in the same tone. That’s not just ineffective—it’s inhuman. Jurors need your vocal shift to signal the emotional weight.” 🎁 Free Resource: Want to know if you’re using your full vocal range—or where you might be holding back? 👉 Book your free vocal assessment here » You’ll walk away with clarity on how your voice works for you—and where it might be working against you. 🔗 Links & Resources: IG Carousel on 5 types of listeners: 💬 Want more? If today’s episode sparked something for you, share it with a colleague or leave a review. Your voice matters—just like theirs does. Until next time, Keep fostering your voice. 🎤
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FYV #15 - The 5 Building Blocks: Volume
04/21/2025
FYV #15 - The 5 Building Blocks: Volume
Ever feel like you're either too loud or not loud enough in court? This episode is all about finding your volume sweet spot—and learning how to intentionally use volume to move, engage, and persuade a jury. Learn how to adjust your vocal volume based on room size, proximity, and emotional content—without straining your voice or triggering vocal fatigue. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to adjust volume based on your environment and proximity to the jury Why keeping your volume “steady” might be unintentionally sending the wrong message How dynamic volume helps jurors feel your case, not just understand it The difference between compressive and expressive breath—and why it matters for vocal health How to avoid vocal strain and throat clearing by breathing more strategically A “secret formula” to create emphasis using pitch, pace, and volume 🛠️ Free Resource Mentioned: 🎁 – A free guide to help you find your ideal pacing and pausing rhythm using neuroscience-backed learning principles. Includes real opening statement examples. 💬 Episode Quote to Remember: "Volume is dynamic. If you keep it static, you’ll accidentally downplay the danger and dull the impact of your client’s story." 📣 Ready for More? Be sure to grab your free copy of the Pace & Pause guide at . 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: And don’t forget—next week we wrap up the 5 Building Blocks series with Tone—the building block that carries emotional truth.
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FYV #14 - The 5 Building Blocks: Pace & Melody
04/14/2025
FYV #14 - The 5 Building Blocks: Pace & Melody
In this episode of the Foster Your Voice Podcast, we continue our series on the 5 Building Blocks of Voice with a double feature: Pace and Melody. These two tools are vital for keeping jurors engaged and emotionally connected to your case. You'll learn why your natural cadence must be paired with purposeful pausing—not just for drama, but because cognitive overload is real. And when it comes to melody, we’re not talking about singing—we’re talking about the shape of your vocal phrases and how they direct jurors' attention, signal energy shifts, and shape meaning. If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down for impact, speed up for chaos, or break out of a robotic speaking pattern, this one's for you. READY TO PRACTICE? Get the FREE practice guide I've created as a supplement to this episode. It's called and it gives you step-by-step instructions and practice passages to work on your pacing. I even tell you exactly when to pause. How long you pause is up to you, but the timer is on! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why pausing is essential for juror comprehension ✅ How your natural speaking cadence affects how long you need to pause ✅ How ascending, descending, and monotone melody affect listener engagement ✅ When to break vocal patterns to create contrast and emotional shifts ✅ Why strategic pacing and melodic variety can help you shape how jurors learn and feel Key Takeaways: 🎯 Pacing is not just about speed—it's about pausing. Jurors can't process information while you're still talking. 🎯 Processing happens in the pause. If you're not pausing, you're not helping jurors “save” and understand what matters. 🎯 Melody shapes energy and focus. It’s not about punctuation—it's about intention and emotional direction. 🎯 All three melody types—ascending, descending, and monotone—have a place. But patterns create predictability, which kills engagement. 🎯 Strategic variation keeps jurors alert and emotionally attuned to your story. Resources & Next Steps: 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: 🎧 Missed Episode 13 on Pitch? Go back and listen to build your foundation: 📩 Want personal coaching or have questions? DM Kristi on Instagram/Facebook or email 🗓️ Next Episode Teaser: We’ll be tackling Volume—and revealing a secret formula you won’t want to miss. Keep fostering your voice. Your jurors—and your client—are counting on it.
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FYV #13 - The 5 Building Blocks: Pitch
04/07/2025
FYV #13 - The 5 Building Blocks: Pitch
Your voice is a critical part of your nonverbal communication—but are you using it to its full potential? In this episode, we kick off the 5 Building Blocks of Voice series with Pitch, exploring how shifting between chest voice, middle voice, and head voice can help you hold jurors' attention and guide their decision-making. If your voice stays stuck in one zone, you risk losing engagement. But when you use pitch strategically, you create vocal contrast that keeps jurors actively listening and processing your message. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why staying in one pitch range (especially chest voice) can disengage jurors ✅ How to use middle voice to refresh attention and add energy to your arguments ✅ The role of head voice in voir dire and rebuttals (and how to use it without sounding ridiculous) ✅ A simple vocal exercise to expand your pitch range and bring life to your delivery Resources & Next Steps: 📺 Watch the YouTube version for a visual guide: 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: *** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT *** 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss the next episode in the 5 Building Blocks of Voice series! Keep fostering your voice, and I’ll see you next time! 🎙️
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FYV #12 - Neurodiversity in the Jury Box: Are You Helping or Hurting?
03/31/2025
FYV #12 - Neurodiversity in the Jury Box: Are You Helping or Hurting?
Jurors come from all walks of life, and their ability to process and engage with courtroom information varies widely. In this episode, we explore the importance of recognizing neurodiversity in the jury pool and discuss practical ways trial attorneys can create a more inclusive, engaging courtroom experience. From avoiding legal jargon to adjusting your pacing and body language, these small but powerful shifts can make a major difference in how jurors absorb and retain crucial case information. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why my role as a “practice juror” in coaching trial attorneys is so valuable The evolving conversation around neurodiversity and why language matters How standardized jury instructions and note-taking policies can create barriers Simple ways to make voir dire, openings, and trial presentations more accessible The power of pacing, pausing, and intentional body language for better juror engagement Resources & Next Steps: IG Reel about goals - Science on Tap website - Nat'l Institute of Health - Kara Jorgensen Blog - Want to improve your vocal delivery? Sign up for a free vocal assessment—email me at [email protected] 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: *** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT *** 🎙 Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review to help more trial attorneys refine their courtroom communication.
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FYV #11 - Learning Sucks (But It’s Worth It)
03/24/2025
FYV #11 - Learning Sucks (But It’s Worth It)
Learning is hard—but why does it feel so frustrating, especially when we think we should already be good at something? In this episode, we explore the difference between knowledge acquisition and skill assimilation. We break down why courtroom communication requires practice, intentionality, and patience, even for experienced trial attorneys. And we'll ask the hard hitting question: How is courtroom communication like riding bicycles? 😉 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why acquiring knowledge is fun, but true learning feels difficult The brain’s resistance to change and how to overcome it Why practicing in low-stakes situations builds real skill The importance of coaching and feedback in skill development Key Takeaways: 🔑 Understanding vs. Mastery: Just because you know what makes a great communicator doesn’t mean you automatically are one. 🔑 Neural Pathways & Resistance: The brain resists change, making new skill development feel frustrating at first. 🔑 Adapting to New Environments: Speaking in court isn’t the same as everyday conversation—it requires intentional skill-building. 🔑 Repetition & Practice: Mastery takes time, and practicing outside of high-pressure situations helps build confidence. 🔑 Support Matters: Working with a coach can accelerate progress and make the learning process more effective. Links & Resources: 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: *** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***
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FYV #10 - All the World’s a Stage—Especially the Courtroom
03/17/2025
FYV #10 - All the World’s a Stage—Especially the Courtroom
In the final episode of our theater-courtroom crossover series, we’re exploring what being a theater actor taught me about trial advocacy. From stepping fully into your role to engaging your jury with imagination and adapting your language for connection, this episode is packed with actionable insights to enhance your courtroom presence. 🔹 Key Takeaways for Trial Attorneys: 🎤 Go Bigger: If you feel self-conscious in your storytelling, try pushing a little further. The courtroom requires presence, not self-preservation. 🛑 Avoid Over-Reliance on Tech & Demonstratives: Just like in a black box theater, jurors will create the scene in their minds—if you guide them. 🗣️ Speak Their Language: You’re fluent in legalese, but jurors need simple, relatable, human language to truly engage. 🤝 Connection is a Skill: It’s not about hoping you click with jurors; it’s about learning how to build that connection intentionally. Resources & Next Steps: Mentioned in today's episode: 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: 🔹Join the Conversation: Follow me on social media for more vocal and nonverbal tips: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: *** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT *** *** FREE DOWNLOAD "The 6 Ingredients of a Perfect Vocal Warm-up" *** 🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe! If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review—it helps more trial attorneys find the show! Have a takeaway or a question? Email me at . Until next time, keep fostering your voice.
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FYV #9 - Lawyering Lessons from a Choreographer
03/10/2025
FYV #9 - Lawyering Lessons from a Choreographer
Your beliefs about jurors shape your conduct toward them, and in turn, their actions reflect those beliefs—welcome to the Pygmalion Effect in action. In this episode of Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster, I’m drawing from my years as a choreographer to reveal how high expectations, clear communication, and bold leadership can transform how jurors perceive you and your case. From setting the stage for success to ensuring your message is simple, clean, and compelling, these courtroom communication techniques will help you lead with confidence and clarity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why high expectations elevate juror performance—and how to set them effectively ✅ How to simplify complex arguments so your jury can truly engage and retain information ✅ The power of mirroring—why jurors reflect the energy and clarity you model ✅ The #1 mistake trial attorneys make with flashy presentations (and what works better) Why This Matters for Trial Attorneys: 🎭 Jurors are not legal experts—they are an ensemble of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Your job is to guide them through your case with precision and purpose. Just like in a well-choreographed performance, every movement (or argument) should be deliberate, clear, and designed to resonate with your audience. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to choreograph a winning performance in the courtroom! Resources & Next Steps: 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: 🔹Join the Conversation: Follow me on social media for more vocal and nonverbal tips: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: *** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT *** *** FREE DOWNLOAD "The 6 Ingredients of a Perfect Vocal Warm-up" ***
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FYV #8 - What Trial Lawyers Can Learn from Theater Directors
03/03/2025
FYV #8 - What Trial Lawyers Can Learn from Theater Directors
I never expected to work with trial attorneys, but as it turns out, there’s a natural crossover between the courtroom and the stage. While you’re not delivering a Broadway performance during your opening statement, there’s a lot you can learn from theater arts. In today’s episode, I’m sharing key lessons from my experience as a theater director—and how they apply directly to your next courtroom appearance. Coming Up Next Week… What does choreography have to do with courtroom leadership? No need to put on your tap shoes, but be sure to tune in. Until next time—keep fostering your voice. 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: *** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT ***
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FYV #7 - Lead Like a Host, Not a Lawyer
02/24/2025
FYV #7 - Lead Like a Host, Not a Lawyer
We’ve explored four key truths about vocal development, but today’s episode brings it all together with a guiding principle that transforms how you connect with jurors: Practice Hospitality. Truth #5: Hospitality is a Courtroom Superpower Growing up, I saw hospitality in action every week in our home—welcoming guests, elevating others, and fostering meaningful conversations. That same principle applies to the courtroom. Jurors are your guests, and your job is to make them feel comfortable, capable, and included. How to Practice Hospitality in the Courtroom: 🏡 Welcome jurors like guests in your home—help them feel important, not just hear that they are. 🗣️ Hold your agenda loosely—stay present in voir dire and build connections between jurors. 🎓 Equip jurors for success—teach them in a way that makes them feel smart and prepared for deliberations. 🔗 Create flow and connection—guide the conversation naturally so they engage and invest in the case. What will you practice this week? Try it out, and until next time—keep fostering your voice. 📩 Connect with Me: Join my mailing list for free vocal tips delivered to your inbox weekly: IG: FB: LI: Pinterest: *** GET MY FREE GUIDE TO 10X YOUR COMMUNICATION CLARITY ***
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FYV #6 - Why Low-Stakes Practice Wins High-Stakes Cases
02/17/2025
FYV #6 - Why Low-Stakes Practice Wins High-Stakes Cases
If you missed last week’s episode, hit pause and go back to Episode #5 to catch the first two fundamental truths of vocal development. But if you're all caught up, let’s dive into Truths #3 and #4—two game-changing principles that will help you build vocal confidence and control in high-stakes courtroom situations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Truth #3 – We Learn Best in Low-Stakes Situations Your biggest vocal transformations happen before you step into the courtroom. Discover why practicing in everyday, low-pressure settings (like ordering coffee or pumping gas) is the secret to building rock-solid communication habits. 🔹 Truth #4 – Subtle is Sufficient… Eventually Jurors don’t need Broadway-level performances—they need clarity and connection. Learn why practicing big vocal and physical shifts in training allows you to make subtle yet powerful adjustments in the courtroom. 💡 Plus, I’ll share personal insights from my experience as a musician and how “learning on the bandstand” applies to your courtroom presence. 🎧 Don’t Miss the Next Episode! Next week, we wrap up this series with a final truth that might just change your entire approach to courtroom communication. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it! 👉 Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow trial attorney and leave a review—it helps more attorneys foster their voices with confidence. Connect with Me: 📩 I'll send you a practical vocal tip on Tuesdays. Get on my mailing list: 📱 Follow me on Instagram at where I give daily communication strategies. *-*-*FREE GUIDE TO 10x YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT*-*-* Download Your Guide to Master 6 Emotional Profiles for Clear & Authentic Connection Until next time, keep fostering your voice!
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FYV #5 - 5 Fundamental Truths About Your Voice (That No One Taught You)
02/10/2025
FYV #5 - 5 Fundamental Truths About Your Voice (That No One Taught You)
Your voice isn’t just something you were born with—it’s something you built. In today’s episode, I’m diving into the first two of my 5 Fundamental Truths about nonverbal communication and vocal development. These principles are the foundation of my coaching approach, helping trial attorneys, speakers, and professionals transform the way they use their voice for maximum impact. Key Takeaways for Trial Attorneys & Public Speakers: 🔹 You didn’t inherit your voice—you learned it. And you can relearn it to command more presence in the courtroom. 🔹 Vocal warm-ups, hydration, and body awareness are essential to unlocking your full voice. 🔹 You are not the best judge of your own voice. Feedback and external listening are game-changers. 🔹 Learning to trust your voice on playback is a critical step toward confident public speaking. Next Steps & Resources: 🎯 Want personalized coaching to refine your voice? Book a Vocal Assessment Session → Schedule here: 🎯 Follow me on Instagram () for daily trial attorney voice tips 🎯 If this episode helped you, subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague! *-*-*FREE GUIDE TO 10x YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT*-*-* Download Your Guide to Master 6 Emotional Profiles for Clear & Authentic Connection 🎧 Listen now & start fostering your voice today!
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FYV #4 - How One Word Can Change Your Year
02/03/2025
FYV #4 - How One Word Can Change Your Year
We’re already into February—how did that happen?! In this episode, I’m talking about something that has shaped my personal and professional growth for years: choosing a Word of the Year. This word becomes a theme, a focal point, and a guide for the months ahead. For 2025, I wrestled with two words: Dream and Consistency. Dreaming—letting my imagination run wild with possibility—felt terrifying. Consistency, on the other hand, felt structured but equally uncomfortable. So, which one did I choose? And how does this apply to trial attorneys working on their voice and presence? What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How choosing a Word of the Year can help shape your mindset and actions ✔️ Why Dreaming felt so uncomfortable for me—and might for you, too ✔️ The power of Consistency in personal growth, business, and even courtroom communication ✔️ How trial attorneys can apply this principle to build vocal confidence and juror engagement Resources & Next Steps: ✅ Ready to take your courtroom communication to the next level? Get your FREE GUIDE here: ✅ Need practical, bite-sized vocal tips? Follow me on Instagram () for weekly insights. ✅ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe & leave a review—it helps more trial attorneys find this work! 🎧 Listen now & start fostering your voice!
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FYV #3 - Why Your Voice Feels Fake (And Why It’s Not)
01/27/2025
FYV #3 - Why Your Voice Feels Fake (And Why It’s Not)
In this episode, we tackle a common concern many attorneys have when working on vocal techniques: "Does experimenting with my voice feel fake or inauthentic?" Spoiler alert: It's not inauthentic—it’s just new! Let’s break down why this fear arises, how it holds you back as a communicator, and what you can do to overcome it. 🌟 Why This Matters: Becoming a masterful communicator is a choice and a commitment. Your clients need your vocal confidence. Jurors need your vocal range to stay engaged. And the world needs your voice to advocate for justice. 📝 Read the Full Show Notes 🛠️ Resources: Interested in a training on Maximizing Juror Engagement? Let’s talk! . Watch this episode on YouTube: Get your FREE GUIDE to 10x Your Communication Impact: 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review! Let’s keep fostering your voice, one episode at a time.
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FYV #2 - Your Voice, Their Justice: Healing Within and Advocating Beyond
01/20/2025
FYV #2 - Your Voice, Their Justice: Healing Within and Advocating Beyond
In this episode, we’re exploring how vocal work is a powerful healing modality—not just for you, but for the mind-body connection and the world at large. We’ve been speaking all our lives, yet we rarely stop to consider the immense personal and professional power of our voices. Today, we’re changing that. From healing old narratives that don't serve you anymore, to aligning your body’s movements with your voice, to using your voice as a tool for advocacy and justice—you’ll leave with a new appreciation for what your voice can achieve. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How your home culture unwittingly shaped how you use your voice today. The difference between necessary and unnecessary tension. The ways that your voice has the possibility to be particularly powerful in the courtroom Links to Things Mentioned In This Episode: Jon Acuff's book Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done Kristi's Year End Recap and Intentions: Resources & Next Steps: Get on my mailing list for weekly vocal tips at I'm want to support your journey. Follow me on Instagram for more tips and inspiration. Watch each episode on YouTube at *-*-*FREE GUIDE TO 10x YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT*-*-* to Download Your Guide to Master 6 Emotional Profiles for Clear & Authentic Connection Let’s Foster Your Voice Together: Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoy what you hear, leave a review! This is your year to own your voice and use it with confidence and purpose.
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FYV #1 - It's Time to Foster Your Voice…Wait, What Does That Mean?
01/13/2025
FYV #1 - It's Time to Foster Your Voice…Wait, What Does That Mean?
Hi there! I’m Kristi Foster, and I’m here to help YOU foster your voice. But what does that really mean? In this first episode, I’m breaking it all down. Spoiler alert: it’s not just clever wordplay (though, c’mon, it is kinda clever). To “foster” your voice is to nurture and develop it—to help it grow into something uniquely you. It’s about finding your voice, owning it, and showing up authentically every time you speak. We’ll dive into the two key ingredients to this process: awareness (paying attention to how you show up vocally and nonverbally) and assessment (getting curious about what’s working, what’s not, and why). Don’t worry, we’re not going too deep just yet—this is just the start of your journey! Along the way, I’ll share a little about why so many of us cringe when we hear ourselves on playback (you’re not alone!) and how I’m here to help you feel confident, clear, and connected when you speak. This episode is your first step toward fostering confidence, clarity, connection, and, most importantly, your voice. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: What it really means to “foster your voice” Why awareness and assessment matter for expressing yourself authentically Why your voice might not “sound like you” (and why that’s totally normal!) Resources & Next Steps: Get on my mailing list for weekly vocal tips at I'm want to support your journey. Follow me on Instagram for more tips and inspiration. Watch each episode on YouTube at *-*-*FREE GUIDE TO 10x YOUR COMMUNICATION IMPACT*-*-* to Download Your Guide to Master 6 Emotional Profiles for Clear & Authentic Connection Let’s Foster Your Voice Together: Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoy what you hear, leave a review! This is your year to own your voice and use it with confidence and purpose.
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Foster Your Voice Podcast Trailer
12/24/2024
Foster Your Voice Podcast Trailer
Welcome to Foster Your Voice Podcast with me, Kristi Foster! After a 30-year career in music and theater, I never imagined I’d be coaching trial attorneys—but once I entered your world, I quickly realized how critical, and underutilized, voice is in the courtroom. Here's the truth: you don’t win trials with brute strength—you win with your voice. So why isn't vocal development your top priority? "Well, this is the voice I was born with. I do what i can with it. But, I can't change it. If I could, I would, because I hate what I sound like when I listen back to deposition recordings. I'm so monotone, and I have so many "ums & ahs." Does that sound like you? Are those thoughts you've had? You're not alone. But... I've got GREAT news for you though. Sure, you were born with vocal cords, but your voice is learned. Think of it like an instrument. Anyone can plunk a few notes on a piano. But, a piano can be learned. You can grow in your understanding of the instrument, learn how to expand beyond the plunked notes to being able to play the full range that's available. Your vocal cords are the instrument, but how you play that "instrument"...THAT'S your voice. And it can be learned. I'll give you tools to unlock your voice, to learn how to "play" it, so you can communicate not just with purpose, but on purpose. If you want quick action tips to help you stay calm & in control, keep jurors engaged, and inspire your listeners to action—all through the power of your voice—you're in the right place. In this podcast, I'll be teaching you about vocal building blocks, nonverbal communication techniques, breath management to hack your nervous system, and how to challenge your limiting beliefs around your courtroom communication style. I want you to think of yourself as part of the Foster Fam. In this podcast, you'll have a safe, and fun, space to explore your voice, expand your range, and become the courtroom leader you’re meant to be. I’m Kristi Foster, and I'm here to help YOU "foster your voice." --- JOIN MY MAILING LIST --- By visiting so you can get my weekly Vocal Tip delivered every Tuesday to your inbox. --- FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALS --- Find me over on Instagram at @fostervoicestudio where I'm dropping little nuggets of vocal technique and leadership wisdom. Keep "fostering your voice."
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