LOSER
So I lost.
After four weeks of competing in the McLaughlin Appellate Advocacy Competition…I lost.
And let me just say it….
I care.
***
I think it’s tough to admit that you care about things.
It’s so much cooler to be blasé.
I grew up in the “WHATEVER” generation where the worst possible thing you could do is look like you give a shit. God forbid.
But I do.
I care that I lost.
But in honor of my mama…and my 2nd grade teacher who told me that losing a spelling bee is no reason to slap other children…I’m going to focus on what I learned during the competition.
***
Years ago I was a gymnast and the balance beam was my favorite event.
People are always surprised when I tell them that the very first thing you learn on the balance beam is how to fall.
People always think the balance beam is all about…well…balance. Obviously, the point is to stay on. But what people don’t know, is that sometimes falling off is your best strategic option. Sometimes you get more deductions if you wobble…and struggle…and clutch onto the beam for dear life…than you would if you just fall off.
So the hardest part is knowing when to fight to stay on…and when to let go.
The same can be said for oral advocacy.
Sometimes you need to concede a point.
Sometimes conceding will actually help your case more than zealously defending your position.
There were times during the competition when I felt like the judge was backing me into a corner. I knew that if I agreed with the judge’s line of reasoning, it might hurt my case. I felt myself wobble…and struggle….and clutch to my argument for dear life. And really it would have been better had I just said, “Your Honor, you’re right.” Then the judge would have been pleased with himself. Nodded. And moved on.
Conceding may not win you the point, but it may win you the case.
***
No Cigar like,
Me
