Beyond the Argument: Lessons in Advocacy from Tamara Bean, an Undergraduate Student at Georgia College and State University

This article was written by Tamara Bean, an undergraduate student at Georgia College and State University who is a member of the mock trial team and founder of Phi Alpha Delta, Georgia College’s Pre-Law Fraternity. Tamara will begin law school in the fall of 2026 and intends to pursue a career in family law.

Advocacy is often misunderstood. Many believe it’s merely about arguing a point or winning a debate, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Advocacy isn’t simply about convincing a judge or jury—it’s about making a positive impact in the world.

My name is Tamara Bean, and I am an undergraduate student at Georgia College and State University pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies with a Pre-Law concentration. I am also a member of the mock trial team and I have a passion for understanding complex issues and finding ways to address them.

Though I may be young, my experiences at Georgia College and beyond have taught me invaluable lessons about advocacy. I’ve learned that it’s not just about having the strongest argument; it’s about framing your message in a way that resonates, demonstrates an understanding of opposing perspectives, and connects with your audience on a deeper level. When you master the art of storytelling, you build empathy. When you combine that with persuasion, you have the power to create meaningful change. In this article, I’ll share the key steps to becoming an effective advocate—no matter your age—that I have learned.

Advocacy is More Than Just Arguing

Advocacy is about persuasion, empathy, and resilience. When I first embarked on my journey, I assumed advocacy was about having the best argument. However, I quickly realized that how you present your argument is just as important as the argument itself. Through my experiences in Mock Trial, Student Government, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, and legal internships, I’ve identified three essential skills that every successful advocate possesses:

• Mastering the art of delivery—both verbal and nonverbal.
• Telling compelling stories that create emotional connections.
• Understanding the opposing perspective as well as your own.

Advocacy is about bridging divides, finding common ground, and, most importantly, driving meaningful change. It’s also about believing in yourself and being a passionate advocate.

Passion Comes from Experience

The most powerful advocates are those whose lived experiences shape their beliefs. However, the best advocates also know how to separate personal emotions from logical reasoning while staying authentic.

In an era where legal battles over criminal justice reform, voting rights, and reproductive rights dominate national discourse, balancing passion with reason is more important than ever. Facts alone don’t persuade people—stories do. My internship with a Superior Court judge taught me that judges and juries respond not just to data but to narratives that make those facts meaningful.

Take criminal justice reform as an example. Statistics on sentencing disparities may not move policymakers, but hearing firsthand stories of those wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced can shift perspectives and inspire real change.

Mentors Shape the Best Advocates

Behind every great advocate is a mentor who has helped shape their thinking. The most important lessons in advocacy aren’t just about law or logic—they’re about communication and conviction.

Professor Adam Lamparello, my mentor, has been instrumental in refining my reasoning skills and reshaping my approach to advocacy. Through his guidance, I’ve learned that true advocacy isn’t about defeating an opponent—it is about finding common ground and achieving meaningful, lasting change that makes a positive difference in the world.

The Rule of Three: A Strategy for Effective Advocacy

One of the most effective tools in advocacy is the Rule of Three. This principle—used in speeches, legal arguments, and political messaging—suggests that people remember things best in patterns of three. To make your argument more impactful:

1. Establish a clear theme and thesis—Make it immediately clear to your audience what outcome you seek and explain why that outcome fair and just.
2. Provide three strong supporting points—Each should be distinct yet interconnected, reinforcing your overall message.
3. Conclude with a memorable takeaway—Summarize your main argument and tie it back to a broader issue or human element.

In Mock Trial, our team used this technique under Professor Lamparello’s guidance. This strategy consistently helped us win competitions, with judges—many of whom were practicing attorneys—citing it as the key to our success.

The Power of Visuals in Persuasion

A strong argument is about more than just words—it’s also about presentation. Charts, graphs, and other demonstrative aids can emphasize key points and enhance credibility. In today’s world, where misinformation spreads rapidly, clear and compelling visual advocacy is more important than ever.

For instance, in Mock Trial, we used a chart to explain why our defendant was psychologically incapable of committing murder. By visually demonstrating where the defendant fell on the D5 scale, we made our case more persuasive, credible, and understandable to the jury

How You Say It Matters More Than What You Say

Tone is everything. Even the best argument can fail if delivered with the wrong tone. In today’s climate of polarized discourse:

• If you’re too aggressive, you alienate your audience.
• If you’re too passive, you lose credibility and persuasiveness.

Successful advocates strike a balance between confidence and approachability. Whether I’m speaking in Student Government, competing in Mock Trial, or addressing my Pre-Law Fraternity, I tailor my tone to fit the audience. Even when debating with my mother, I know when to stay silent—because often, the best response to a questionable argument is no response at all. You have to let the audience come to their own conclusions—while guiding them to the outcome you seek.

The Role of Nonverbal Communication

Facial expressions, posture, and body language can reinforce or undermine an argument. People believe both what they hear and what they see. Watching Supreme Court oral arguments reveals a crucial truth: confidence is just as persuasive as legal reasoning.

In Mock Trial, Professor Lamparello would challenge us with powerful and meritless counterarguments to test our confidence, distinguish between them, and adapt based on the quality of an argument. Many of us faltered—not because our arguments were weak, but because his confidence intimidated us. The best advocates learn to maintain their composure and deliver arguments with conviction.

Advocacy is a Skill, Not Just a Passion

Great advocates aren’t born—they’re made. They learn to listen, adapt, and refine their approach. The best advocates understand that their job isn’t just to prove a point but to persuade others to see the value in it.

This is especially crucial in today’s divided world. If we hope to create meaningful change, legal professionals—and advocates in all fields—should embrace the lessons outlined here:

• Tell compelling stories.
• Master the art of delivery.
• Understand both sides of the argument.

Advocacy isn’t just about winning—it’s about making a difference. At Georgia College, I have learned how to argue persuasively and develop tangible and intangible skills that will prepare me for law school and the legal profession. Most importantly, I learned that advocacy is not simply about what you say or even how you say it. It’s about showing your audience that you truly believe in yourself and the cause you champion.