Archive for March, 2010

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ABA TechShow: Storyboarding is the New Forty

March 26, 2010

From the ABA TechShow in Chicago.

Inevitably, we age. We ‘de-learn’ immortality and acquiesce to the scrimping and savings derived from Fear – Fear that we’ll slow down, that someone will pass us, be better, faster, stronger…Fear that we won’t be ‘Relevant,’ as Simon Cowell says.

But every so often there is a technology track, session, speech or movement that draws us back to our youth, our immortality, our lack of fear and allows us to get excited about something. Today that something is Storyboarding, either within or without Powerpoint.

Paul Unger and Nils Jenson have properly advised us. The old rules don’t apply: Some of the new from the “Storyboarding for Powerpoint” session are as follows:

‘Storyboarding is a series of images and headings glued together by your strong storytelling skills.’

‘Interest + Attention = Persuasion’

-   Less Text
+  More Single Line Slides
*   If using text lines, highlight ‘KEY WORDS,’ then remove the rest

Practice Tip: If you’re using a Powerpoint to persuade a Judge, create a Handout for him/her.
—goto File/ Print/ Handout

As Confucious said–

“I HEAR and I FORGET. I SEE and I REMEMBER”

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ABA TechShow 2010 "Pre-Game" Ignite and Pre-60 Sites

March 20, 2010

There are few things in life that truly engender the stirring lifeblood of the Tech-addled Lawyer. There’s the Superbowl. But in that we’re relegated to new E-Trade Commercials and followup Lawsuits. There’s Presidential elections, but the ‘dimpled chad’ has minimized legal ramifications in all future realms. But now there is what might only be referred to as the ABA TechShow’s ‘Pre-Game’ aka “Ignite Pre-Show”. This year, we visit the enigma known as “ignite,” (a raucous 16 presenter-6 minute and 20 slide per presentation). In addition to last year’s 60 Sites in 60 Minutes presentation, it should be one heckuva pre-game show.

Be sure to follow the Section’s coverage of the ABA TechShow on Twitter: @TXBarCompTech

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ABA Techshow: March 25-27th

March 20, 2010

Stay Tuned for Section Member Blogs from this Year’s ABA TechShow 2010 in Chicago, March 25-27

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Apple’s iPad – Better for Lawyers?

March 1, 2010

Is a simple tool with less functionality better than a revolutionary tool with more functionality better for the legal profession? Let the debate begin.