Beyond the courtroom: The skill that can make or break a legal career

From building confidence with an audience and adapting under high-pressure situations, effective communication skills are central in a lawyer’s day-to-day practice.

Having recently won the 2026 Victorian Golden Gavel competition, which showcases the public speaking skills, quick thinking and comedic flair of Victoria’s emerging lawyers, Kusangaya will represent the state of Victoria at the National Golden Gavel Competition in South Australia in mid-November.

Speaking to Lawyers Weekly, Kusangaya shared practical advice for young lawyers looking to strengthen their delivery, think on their feet and emphasised the importance of building valuable connections early in their careers and attending events.

The power of public speaking

For Kusangaya, public speaking is about more than just addressing a group of select people; it is a skill that is central to legal practice.

“Public speaking is more than just the ability to stand in front of a crowd and speak to them, it also involves making a connection with your audience, whether big or small,” Kusangaya said.

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“You will find that public speaking is a transferable skill that you will use almost every day.

“The confidence one builds from public speaking also translates to more confidence in one’s skills and abilities.”

Kusangaya explained how experience and feedback can help build confidence in one’s ability as a practitioner.

“The more I speak in court, at meetings and other forums where I get to show my knowledge in the relevant area and receive feedback, whether positive or criticism, the more confidence I have in skills, knowledge and experience as a practitioner,” he said.

“You will use [public speaking] in meetings with clients, court appearances, mediations and other alternative dispute resolution conferences and discussions with colleagues and opponents alike.”

Mastering the art of delivery

For young lawyers or law students looking to improve their public speaking skills, Kusangaya noted that one of the most valuable lessons is learning to take a deep breath and embrace silence.

“The most important thing I have learnt is the ability to slow down and not to try and always fill the silence,” Kusangaya said.

“Being slow and measured affords you time to add anything you might not have previously thought about until you [are] in the moment.”

“Allowing time for your audience to digest and consider what you have just said” is an integral aspect of effective delivery, he said.

Additionally, Kusangaya emphasised the importance of reading an audience and adapting accordingly.

“Making use of measured pauses to read your audience assists with knowing whether you might need to repeat something, expand on the point you have made to really hammer it home, or quickly move on to something else because it does not resonate with your audience,” he said.

Navigating the unexpected

Preparation is undeniably an integral part of the litigation process; however, Kusangaya noted that lawyers must also be ready to respond to the unexpected.

“No matter how much you prepare, you can never predict what anyone is going to say, or what question a judge, presiding officer or tribunal member might ask,” Kusangaya said.

“Depending on the area in which you practice, you will often find yourself thinking on your feet.

“It is a good skill to develop earlier rather than later in practice.”

Kusangaya highlighted that the ability to think on your feet goes beyond the courtroom to everyday meetings and client interactions.

“Clients often have many questions, which, though not strictly relevant at the time, you will still need to answer,” he said.

“There will almost certainly be a point in every meeting, hearing or conference where you will have to think on your feet and consider something you were unprepared for.”