"The statement is aided by dramatic reinforcement."–Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes
Effective trial advocacy requires a good first impression. Your first opportunity to develop the context, challenge and climax of the case may determine whether the judge sees the evidence from your perspective–or your opponent’s. To communicate an effective opening statement :
1. Get the judge's attention with your theme in the first 30 seconds.
2. Give the judge a perspective from which to view the evidence.
3. Bring the facts back to life with the techniques of a storyteller.
4. Be clear, simple and uncomplicated.
5. Be forceful and positive without being overtly argumentative.