* Class Participation: Many classes, especially first-year courses like Civil Procedure and Torts, heavily emphasize class participation. This often involves responding to hypotheticals posed by the professor, arguing points of law, and engaging in debate with classmates and the professor. This is essentially impromptu public speaking.
* Cold Calling: Professors frequently "cold call" students, meaning they'll randomly select students to answer questions or present arguments on the spot. This requires quick thinking and the ability to articulate legal concepts under pressure.
* Moot Court: Many law schools offer moot court, a simulated appellate court experience. Students prepare and deliver oral arguments, which are heavily judged on their legal reasoning, presentation skills, and ability to answer questions from a panel of judges (often professors or practicing attorneys). This is a more formal and prepared form of public speaking.
* Mock Trial: Similar to moot court, mock trial involves students acting as lawyers in a simulated trial. This requires even more public speaking, including opening and closing statements, direct and cross-examination of witnesses.
* Negotiation and Mediation Clinics: Some law schools offer clinics where students engage in negotiation and mediation, which necessitates clear communication and persuasive speaking skills.
In short: While there might not be large lectures you'll be giving, there's a considerable amount of *advocacy* speaking inherent in the law school curriculum. The focus is less on theatrical delivery and more on persuasive legal argumentation and the ability to think on your feet. The amount of public speaking varies depending on the specific school, professor, and courses taken, but it's a significant component of the legal education experience.