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!

FYV #36 - How Your Breathing Shapes Jury Decision-Making 09/15/2025

FYV #35 - The Trial Attorney’s Guide to Clear Communication 09/08/2025

FYV #35 - The Trial Attorney’s Guide to Clear Communication Clarity in the courtroom isn’t about dumbing things down—it’s about making your ideas stick. In this episode, we explore why clarity is often confused with oversimplification, how the brain processes language, and what trial attorneys can do to ensure jurors not only hear their message but remember it when it matters most. From word choice to pacing to structure, we’ll break down the science of clear communication and how it becomes a powerful tool of persuasion. In this episode, you'll learn: Why clarity is different from simplification (and why that matters in trial). How jurors process information and the role of “cognitive load” in learning. The neuroscience behind why shorter, clearer statements are more memorable. Practical strategies for delivering complex information in bite-sized, jury-friendly ways. How to use voice, pacing, and nonverbal communication to reinforce clarity. Key Takeaway: Clarity isn’t about making legal arguments smaller—it’s about making them stronger. When jurors clearly understand your point, they can retain it, repeat it, and rely on it during deliberation. Favorite moment: “When you reduce your message to one idea per breath, you’re not just speaking more clearly—you’re giving jurors the exact size of thought their brain is built to remember.” Links & Resources: Links to Share in Show Notes: Juror trauma study: Juror counseling program: ***SPEAK SO THEY GET IT MINI TRAINING*** Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: Subscribe to Foster Your Voice wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to sharpen their courtroom presence. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/38050125

FYV #34 - How Gestures Shape Juror Perception 09/01/2025

FYV #33 - Sound Louder Without Straining: The Mistake Most Attorneys Make 08/25/2025

FYV #32 - Active Silence: How Confident Attorneys Say Less—and Win More 08/18/2025

FYV #31 - The Courtroom Code Switch: Mastering Dual Audiences 08/11/2025

FYV #31 - The Courtroom Code Switch: Mastering Dual Audiences Today, we're diving into a trial skill that's always tested but rarely taught: how to speak both fluent legalese and fluent human. In this episode, we talk about why mastering both languages—and knowing when to switch between them—is one of the most overlooked courtroom leadership tools. If you want to connect with jurors, clarify your message for witnesses, and lead the room with clarity and credibility, this conversation is a must. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why being too good at legal language can actually backfire in front of a jury The difference between speaking to the Court vs. speaking to the People—and how to do both skillfully What happens when jurors hit cognitive overload (and how to avoid losing them) How to translate complex legal concepts into language your jury can remember and repeat The vocal and physical shifts that help build trust with your audience in real time Key Takeaway: If you want to be remembered in deliberation, your words need to live on without you. Speak in language that jurors can understand, repeat, and use to advocate on your client’s behalf. Favorite Moment: “When you say, ‘The defense failed to uphold the requisite duty of care,’ they hear: ‘blah, blah blah.’ But if you say, ‘He didn’t do what he was supposed to do—and that’s what hurt her,’ they get it. That’s the shift.” Links & Resources: 🎁 Download the FREE PDF: The Top 20 Legal Terms to Avoid (and what to say instead) — 🎧 Related Episode: Episode #23 – How to Balance Logic and Emotion in Trial 📕 Jon Acuff Soundtracks: Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: And don't forget: Subscribe to Foster Your Voice Podcast and leave a quick review if this episode helped reframe your approach to courtroom communication. Every review helps the show grow and reach more high-performing trial lawyers like you. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37673220

FYV #30 - Why It Gets Harder Right Before It Gets Easier 08/04/2025

FYV #30 - Why It Gets Harder Right Before It Gets Easier Ever made a bold move—only to feel doubt, tension, or total emotional whiplash after the fact? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode, Kristi breaks down two powerful concepts from psychology—lagging indicators and extinction bursts—that explain why growth feels so uncomfortable right before it clicks. Whether you’re stepping into greater courtroom presence or shifting long-held habits, this conversation will help you make sense of the chaos and stay the course when it counts. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “lagging indicators” and “extinction bursts” actually are—and how they show up in your leadership growth Why old habits feel stronger right before they break How to know if your discomfort is a sign of backsliding or progress What courtroom communication has to do with a post-dinner sweet treat (yes, really) How to hold steady when your nervous system wants to panic Key Takeaway: Discomfort isn’t always a sign that something’s wrong. It’s often the clearest signal that transformation is already in motion. Favorite Moment: “That rebellion? That chaos? That’s the extinction burst. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means the old pattern is losing oxygen.” Links & Resources: Want more tools to grow your vocal leadership with clarity and confidence? to get new resources, trainings, and upcoming freebies delivered right to your inbox. Loved the episode? Share it with a colleague or friend who’s navigating their own messy middle. Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: Subscribe to Foster Your Voice so you never miss an episode—and if today’s conversation helped you reframe your own experience, leave a quick review. Every review helps the show grow and reach more trial attorneys building resilient, authentic leadership. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37600120

FYV #29 - The Easiest Vocal Warm-Up You’re (Probably) Not Doing 07/28/2025

FYV #29 - The Easiest Vocal Warm-Up You’re (Probably) Not Doing Warming up your voice doesn’t have to be a big production—and it definitely doesn’t require an hour, a piano, or a mirror. In this episode, Kristi shares how to weave professional-grade vocal warmups into your real life using one of the simplest (and most effective) tools around: humming. Learn how to habit-stack vocal prep into your daily routine so your voice stays healthy, responsive, and strong—even on the busiest days in trial. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why vocal warmups are more important now than ever (especially as you get older) What humming does for your voice, nervous system, and mental focus How to habit-stack vocal prep into things you already do—like walking, waiting, or pouring coffee Why humming is a professional-level warm-up (not a shortcut!) How to expand your warmup with glides, range extension, and yawn-sighs A few simple places you can start today—without changing your schedule Key Takeaway: You don’t need more time—you need more intention. Your voice deserves care and prep, and with the right tools, you can give it both without missing a beat. Favorite Moment: “You’re not adding time. You’re adding intention.” Links & Resources: The 6 Ingredients of a Perfect Vocal Warm-up: Warm up with me: Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: If this episode helped you think differently about warming up, send it to a colleague or leave a quick review. That simple act helps more trial attorneys discover how to protect their voice—and foster their leadership presence—every single day. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37353580

FYV #28 - Sigh Loud, Yawn Big: Nervous System Tools Hiding in Plain Sight 07/21/2025

FYV #28 - Sigh Loud, Yawn Big: Nervous System Tools Hiding in Plain Sight Sighing and yawning might seem too simple—or too socially awkward—to be real tools for trial prep. But in this episode, we unpack why these everyday reflexes are actually powerful nervous system resets that support vocal clarity, mental focus, and courtroom presence. Learn how to use these low-stakes practices to train your voice and regulate your body for the high-stakes moments of trial. *ADDED NOTE: It goes without saying that, even though I advocate for a more lighthearted approach to public yawning, one should not negate some decorum when it comes to yawning while in conversation with others. Continue to be thoughtful and don't take over their moment of sharing. But if you're casually in line for coffee, go for it. If you're standing at the printer, go for it. If you're talking with a client, or in an important meeting...use your discretion. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why sighing and yawning aren’t signs of boredom—but signs of readiness How sighs help your lungs reset, your nervous system calm, and your voice settle Why yawning increases oxygen, cools the brain, and boosts alertness The science behind contagious yawning and emotional attunement How “yawn-sighs” support vocal resonance, reduce tension, and improve focus Where to build sighing and yawning into your prep routine to improve delivery under pressure Key Takeaway: Sighs and yawns aren’t throwaways. They’re built-in resets that help you breathe better, focus deeper, and speak with more calm, clarity, and connection. Favorite Moment: “You have more tools at your disposal than you realize. And your nervous system is always working to help you—you just have to let it.” Links & Resources: Pace & Pause Free Guide - Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: If this episode gave you a moment of reset—or a reason to stretch and sigh—send it to a colleague who might need one too. And if you’re finding value in the show, a quick review helps more trial attorneys discover these practical tools to foster their voice. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37353315

FYV #27 - The Primacy & Recency Effect: How First and Last Impressions Impact Your Case 07/14/2025

FYV #27 - The Primacy & Recency Effect: How First and Last Impressions Impact Your Case Whether onstage or in the courtroom, the way you start and the way you end deeply shapes what people remember. In this episode, we explore the neuroscience-backed principles of primacy and recency—why jurors remember your opening and closing far more than the middle—and how to use that knowledge to structure your case with clarity, impact, and emotional resonance. From voir dire to final argument, your first and last impressions aren’t just about style—they’re strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the primacy effect and recency effect mean for trial attorneys How early “micro-impressions” shape juror trust before opening statements even begin Why your opening must be structured with rule, roadmap, and relatable storytelling What a powerful closing should include—and how it echoes long after you leave the courtroom How to use emotional anchors to make your case human and memorable Why planning your entrances and exits isn’t about performance—it’s about leadership Key Takeaway: Your first impression is a neurological anchor. Your last impression is the one that walks into deliberation without you. Use both to guide, teach, and move your jurors with clarity and heart. Favorite Moment: “You won’t be in the room during deliberations—but your voice can be.” Links & Resources: 🔉Want more on building emotional and cognitive anchors into your case structure? Check out Episode 23: Balancing Logic & Emotion at 📕 Malcolm Gladwell – Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking Book site: ✍️ Primacy & Recency Effects in Trial Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: If this episode was helpful, forward it to a colleague or leave a quick review. Every share helps other trial attorneys foster their voice with more clarity, connection, and impact. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37275980

FYV #26 - Let Your Hands Talk: An Attorney’s Guide to Meaningful Movement 07/07/2025

FYV #26 - Let Your Hands Talk: An Attorney’s Guide to Meaningful Movement In this episode, we’re talking about something you’re probably already doing—but maybe not doing intentionally: using your hands while you speak. Gestures aren’t just habits or quirks—they’re powerful tools that support juror focus, retention, and engagement. When synced with your voice, gestures give your message shape, structure, and visual reinforcement. We’ll break down the neuroscience, practical gesture types, and real-world courtroom tips to help your body support your message—without overthinking or over-choreographing. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why gestures are a visual guide for jurors—not a distraction How your voice and body work together to make ideas land Specific gestures from communication psychology you can use (like the Leveller and the Placater) How to “mark” key concepts with your hands to boost juror memory Why inconsistent gesture placement confuses jurors and increases cognitive load The science behind movement, memory, and juror attention Key Takeaway: When your hands and your voice are in sync, jurors stay engaged—and engagement supports memory. Intentional movement isn’t a performance. It’s leadership. Favorite Moment: “If you look boring, they will feel bored. If you use your body to bring clarity, they’ll stay with you.” Links & Resources: Vinh Giang – @askvinh Virginia Satir – Family therapist, creator of the Satir Categories Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: If this episode was helpful, forward it to a colleague or leave a quick review. Every share helps other trial attorneys foster their voice with more clarity, connection, and impact. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37169020

FYV #25 - What Jurors Really Need from You: Time 06/30/2025

FYV #25 - What Jurors Really Need from You: Time In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet powerful courtroom tools: pacing and pausing. It may sound simple, but neuroscience shows us it’s anything but. When trial attorneys speak too fast or gloss over key ideas without space, jurors fall behind—not because they’re not listening, but because the brain physically can’t process and store that much information all at once. In this episode, you’ll learn how slowing down isn’t just kind—it’s critical to juror comprehension, memory, and informs how they add meaning to your message. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the brain can’t learn and deeply process at the same time How pausing reduces cognitive load and activates attention Why jurors need more time than you think to visualize and retain your story How to think beyond written punctuation and instead speak in “cognitive segments” Simple tools to evaluate and shift your pacing style for greater impact Key Takeaway: Pauses aren’t empty space—they’re active moments where meaning is infused into your message. When you slow your delivery, you’re not dragging it out—you’re guiding jurors through the thinking process that leads to understanding and, ultimately, decision-making. Favorite Moment: “You’re not just presenting a case. You’re teaching jurors how to think about the case. You’re helping them understand it, remember it, and explain it to each other when they’re back in deliberation.” Links & Resources: 🎁 Download the free guide: Pace & Pause: The Perfect Pair This practical PDF includes insights from neuroscience, pacing strategies for different speaking styles, and a simple stopwatch exercise to help you calibrate your internal rhythm—so jurors don’t just hear your case, they absorb it. Want more? 👉 Get weekly tips and techniques delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to "The Foster Files" Newsletter: 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: If this episode was helpful, forward it to a colleague or leave a quick review. Every share helps other trial attorneys foster their voice with more clarity, connection, and impact. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37061140

FYV #24 - How to Handle Nerves and Reset Your System Fast 06/23/2025

FYV #24 - How to Handle Nerves and Reset Your System Fast In this episode of Foster Your Voice, we’re diving into something every trial attorney faces—nerves. Not just the feeling, but the full-body cascade that comes with it: shaky hands, dry mouth, racing thoughts, tight throat. Instead of trying to “power through,” what if you could lead your body back to calm—so your voice could follow? You’ll learn how nervous system responses affect your courtroom presence, why nervousness is actually a sign your brain’s working correctly, and the simple breathing tool that can help you reset in real time. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded when the stakes are high, this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why nerves are a biological response—not a weakness How your nervous system impacts your voice, body, and juror perception What not to do when you feel panicked or off-balance A step-by-step breakdown of the 4-7-8 breath technique to calm your nervous system How consistent breath practice builds resilience and vocal steadiness Key Takeaway: You don’t need to eliminate nerves—you need to work with them. Learning to shift your breath shifts your chemistry, which shifts your presence. That’s when your voice becomes a steady, grounded tool for connection and clarity. Favorite moment: “When your body starts to believe you're calm, your voice follows. You become grounded. Clear. Steady. Not because you’re faking it—but because you’ve led your body back to safety.” Links & Resources: Want free weekly vocal and nonverbal tips for trial performance? Join the email list here → Learn more about the science of breathing with YogaBody: Share this episode with a colleague who’s tired of white-knuckling their courtroom nerves. Want more? 👉 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: FB: LI: Pinterest: /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/37002255

FYV #23 - Balancing Logic and Emotion: The Key to Memorable Advocacy 06/16/2025

FYV #22 - The Body Language Fix That Builds Trust and Carries Your Voice 06/09/2025

FYV #21 - Speak So They Can Hear You 06/02/2025

FYV #20 - Vocal First Aid: What Actually Helps When Your Voice is Shot 05/26/2025

FYV #19 - Self-care has a PR problem 05/19/2025

FYV #18 - Why You Can’t Trust Your Brain (And What To Do Instead) 05/12/2025

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. 🎤 /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/36391155

FYV #16 - The 5 Building Blocks: Tone 04/28/2025

FYV #15 - The 5 Building Blocks: Volume 04/21/2025

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. /episode/index/show/708f8ff9-f03f-4d6c-9cc1-9639ce27709c/id/36040350

FYV #13 - The 5 Building Blocks: Pitch 04/07/2025

FYV #12 - Neurodiversity in the Jury Box: Are You Helping or Hurting? 03/31/2025

FYV #11 - Learning Sucks (But It’s Worth It) 03/24/2025

FYV #10 - All the World’s a Stage—Especially the Courtroom 03/17/2025

FYV #9 - Lawyering Lessons from a Choreographer 03/10/2025

FYV #8 - What Trial Lawyers Can Learn from Theater Directors 03/03/2025

FYV #7 - Lead Like a Host, Not a Lawyer 02/24/2025

Foster Your Voice Podcast with Kristi Foster

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