OPENING
STATEMENT |
| A ten step procedure
to developing a compelling opening statement |
| Putting together
a compelling opening statement involves three primary tasks: |
- Organizing the contents
- Designing trial exhibits to
visually interpret the evidence
- Delivering the information
persuasively
|
| Putting together
a compelling opening statement is a time-consuming, demanding
and often times, stressful task. We offer clients a 10 step
procedure which eliminates the stress and assures success.
But the task still takes time. The time is in knowing the
content of opening statement so well that counsel can deliver
it without notes. To be able to deliver an opening statement
like it is a conversation with each individual juror, and
not a speech, demands practice, practice and more practice.
Notice that the last three steps in the procedure address
this imperative. |
| Step 1 |
Find the case
theme and emotional hook that will bring home the verdict |
| Step 2 |
Define the main issues that
the jurors have to know in order to vote for you |
| Step 3 |
Identify the evidence needed
to substantiate those main issues |
| Step 4 |
Illustrate the main issues
by converting them into trial exhibits |
| Step 5 |
Translate the trial exhibits
into a high or low technological delivery system |
| Step 6 |
Organize an introduction,
body and conclusion to your opening |
| Step 7 |
Learn persuasive nonverbal
delivery techniques to keep the jurors listening |
| Step 8 |
Practice |
| Step 9 |
Practice |
| Step 10 |
Practice |
