1. Oral Skills Training Workshop
STEPS TO MOOT COURT IV
Oral Skills Training Workshop
Nguyen Vu Quynh Trang, Trainee Solicitor
Baker & McKenzie (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.
27 April 2014

2. CONTENT OUTLINE Oral Submission Preparation Style, Poise and Demeanour
Responding to Questions

3. 1
Oral Submission Preparation 3

4. ORAL SUBMISSION PREPARATION
Note: Take time to outline your oral submission!
Have something in writing is much better
Keep your main points simple and hard-hitting
Limit use of complex and hard-to-pronounce words
Maximum use of linking words
Memorize facts, cases and regulations
Be well-armed and well-organized with all materials

5. ORAL SUBMISSION PREPARATION
Structure of the oral submission
Introduction
Who you are, whom you represent, brief your main points
Statement of Facts
Summary key contents of the case (Claimant)
Main arguments
Detailed explanation on most crucial points
Closing
Closing statement briefing what you want the Tribunal to rule

6. Brief introduction
E.g.
My name is Nguyen Vu Quynh Trang. And it’s my honor to appear in front of the Arbitral Tribunal today, pleading on behalf of X, the Claimant in this case.
With me today is my co-counsel/colleague Mr. Le Nguyen Duy Hau.
I will speak in the first 5 mins, addressing our 1st submission, regarding the problem: ABC.
After that, my co-counsel/colleague Ms. Le Nguyen Duy Hau will speak in the next 5 mins, addressing our 2nd submission about DEF.
Unless the Tribunal has any further questions, may I be allowed to proceed?

7. 2
Style, Poise and Demeanour 7

8. STYLE, POISE AND DEMEANOUR
Dress smart!

9. STYLE, POISE AND DEMEANOUR
Dress smart!

10. STYLE, POISE AND DEMEANOUR
Mind your image: ACT RESPECTFULLY
Do not read
Be aware of your body language
Avoid acts of distraction
Control your tone, volume and speed
Control your personal emotion
Limit reliance on others’ help
Pause and break

11. STYLE, POISE AND DEMEANOUR
Mind your time: MOST CRUCIAL POINT COMES FIRST
Keep track of your time, respect your colleague’s attributed time.
Keep calm
Ask for more time: “I see that my time has expired. May I have your permission to conclude/further explain on this point?”
If denied: “In such case, we hereby request the Tribunal to rule in favor of the [...] on these said matters.”

12. 3
Responding to Questions 12

13. RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS
Some types of questions
Factual questions
Legal questions
Debating questions 
Humorous questions or observations
Irrelevant/Hypothetical questions
Hostile questions
Note: Anticipate beforehand as many questions as possible!

14. RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS
Wait until being asked
Prepare possible questions and answer
Incorporate questions in
your arguments

15. RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS
Don’t stress
Be prepared to modify your arguments
Know when to be quiet
Don’t postpone answer
Direct answer
Learn from your opponent’s answers!

16. RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS
Try to understand questions first:
Signal your confusion by opening your answer with: e.g. “Mr/Ms Arbitrator, if I understand your question correctly that X means Y…”
Do ask for repetition
e.g. “May I ask your pardon please?”
What to do:
In hot argument
In cold argument
If the Tribunal ignores you
Stay calm in any circumstances!

17. FOR RESPONDENT, REBUTTAL AND SUR-REBUTTAL
Prepare clear notes and have your main points in mind
Focus on two or three main points, not more
Annotate your outline as your opponent speaks – be flexible
Strengthen your argument from what your opponent and the Tribunal has exchanged
Don't spend your time nattering about your opponent's every mistake
Preparing beforehand may not help!

19. Thank you