Quick Tips for Voir Dire That Actually Work

1. Start with the “why” – Let jurors know what voir dire is really about: fairness, not trick questions.
2. Ditch the yes/no trap – Ask open-ended questions to uncover real bias.
3. Watch the body language – Tone and posture can reveal more than words.
4. Don’t argue, listen – Voir dire is for learning, not persuading.
5. Test your questions beforehand – Focus groups can tell you what resonates (and what flops).

Voir dire isn’t about who likes you, it’s about who won’t burn your case to the ground.