The speaker's tools are his or her words, and the ability to express oneself in both a written and oral presentation is essential to being successful.
People at the top are usually there because they have the ability to clearly express themselves in all forms of communication.
Many professionals who want to be successful must learn how to present an effective oral argument to an audience.
Such skills are required on many occasions.

There are times when the situation seems to be clear and an oral argument will serve no real purpose.
And there are other times where you are convinced that you can make the audience see the error of the argumentation of your opponent and the advantages of your point of view.

Be concise. Do not prepare for a half hour argument, because it is unlikely that you will be allowed to continue for so long, except in very unusual circumstances.

Most people can't listen carefully for a longer period.
There is a limited attention span you should take into consideration when trying to get your point across.
Since you only have limited time, make sure that you address the important issues immediately.
There is no need to waste time summarizing all the facts.
Focus on the important ones you want to discuss.
If a fact has been misstated by your opponent, point that out with the proper reference to the evidence that supports your position.

Because your time is limited, it is vital that you have a plan for your presentation.
Remember that the purpose of oral argument is to try to convince the audience that the tentative ruling should be modified.
Know what you are going to say before you stand up.
That being said, you must still be prepared for any unexpected balls which may be thrown your way by your opponents.

Do not waste your time by engaging in needless discussion.
For example, there is no need to apologize for appearing, so do not spend time doing so. Stipulate your best reasons.
Alternatively, if the ruling has gone your way, be prepared to present a convincing argument showing why this is the correct result to counter the opposing argument (something more than "we agree with the decision," which is obviously not very helpful).
Bear in mind that the opposing argument may have convinced the audience to change the decision.
If you were on the original "winning" side, you must be prepared to explain why that original ruling should stand.

Welcome and don't avoid questions from the audience.
Questioning generally gives you a good opportunity to be in touch with the audience.
It may disrupt what you had planned to say, but it is good to take up the opportunity of responding to the question and answer it.

Disagreement is okay.
Do not worry about disagreeing with, or pointing out flaws in, the tentative ruling.
Present your point in a respectful manner and tone to the audience and the opponent.
And sometimes your opponent overlooked a fact and will subsequently reconsider his position.

It is extremely important not to lose the credibility of the audience.
So stay with the facts and utilize them.
If you have made an innocent mistake, admit to it, and immediately correct it.

Do not personally attack your opponent.
It is extremely distracting to the audience to have open warfare going on between the different positions.
It certainly is not helpful to the audience to decide which arguments to follow.
If the opponent appears to be unfriendly, rise above it.
More often than not, the audience will recognize your professionalism.

Avoid suggestive sentences like "As you know, ...."
At best, it is condescending.

Do not say anything in a whining tone of voice.
Nothing will make the audience tune you out more quickly than whining.
If you have a point to make - to show the audience the error of its ways - make it in a clear, direct and respectful manner.
Do not whine.
Along the same lines, do not complain.

Be aware of your body language.
We not only communicate with words but also with non verbal elements like facial expressions, gestures and the positioning of the body.
A statement can be construed to mean entirely different things depending upon the body language you use.
Be aware of this, and do not let your body language contradict your words. Practice your argument in front of professionals who concentrate on your body language.
You might be surprised at some of the comments and recommendations you receive.