Welcome to the All Things Mock Trial podcast! Today, our podcast episode, Virtual is Now, features guests from Johnston Middle School, the 2020 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Runner-Up.

Kaylee, a middle school mocker, along with her coach, Molly McConnell discuss theater techniques with improv and backstory for character development.

Also, John Wheeler, Director for The Iowa State Bar Association, Center for Law and Civic Education, who leads the Iowa mock trial program provides guidance on competing in a virtual setting.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What were challenges and benefits in coaching your practice sessions?
• What guidance can you provide students to succeed in the new virtual environment?
• Assuming that next year we return to in-person tournaments, what elements from virtual tournaments are you planning to implement for in-person tournaments?
• What quirks did you choose to play for the character witness?

Points to Ponder: * ‘‘Create a backstory for your character. If you can internalize your character, once your witness that's when the persona...comes out ’’.

Coach * ''Don't be afraid that it [virtual mock trial] is new and experimental''.

Student

What is Mock Trial in One Word?

''Mock trial is Life-Changing''.

“Mock trial is Inspiring.”

“Mock trial is Affirming''.