Contributing 

What are examples of opening statements?

Leia Doyle

What are examples of opening statements?

Some examples:

  • “This is a case about taking chances.”
  • “Mary Jones had a dream and a plan.”
  • “Revenge. That’s what this case is all about.”
  • “This is also a case about pain. Mr. Johnson’s only companion today is constant pain.”
  • “This is a case about police brutality”

    Which are effective elements of an opening statement?

    Tell a Story. Themes and storytelling are what make opening statements engaging and effective. The story of the case tells the jury what happened chronologically either from the viewpoint of the plaintiff or defendant.

    How do you write an effective opening statement?

    Opening Statement Checklist

    1. State your theme immediately in one sentence.
    2. Tell the story of the case without argument.
    3. Persuasively order your facts in a sequence that supports your theme.
    4. Decide whether to address the bad facts in the opening or not.
    5. Do not read your opening statement.
    6. Bring an outline, if necessary.

    How do you start a defense opening statement?

    A strong defense opening statement will do the following:

    1. Tell a story.
    2. Plant the defense themes.
    3. Make concessions only with great caution.
    4. Make the defense case concisely.
    5. Humanize the defendant.
    6. Make no promises about the defendant testifying.
    7. Argue the defendant’s case.
    8. End on a high note.

    Who goes first in opening statements?

    Generally, the party who bears the burden of proof (plaintiff in a civil case or prosecution in a criminal case) begins the opening statements, followed immediately after by the adverse party (defendant).

    How do you write a defense opening statement?

    What are the steps to write an opening statement?

    How do you start an opening sentence?

    Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don’t think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”

    How do I write my first sentence?

    How to Write the First Paragraphs of Your Novel

    1. Don’t start talking about the weather.
    2. Draw your readers’ attention.
    3. Put something in motion.
    4. Use short paragraphs and direct sentences.
    5. Set the time and space coordinates.
    6. Specify the rules.
    7. Leave the backstory for later.
    8. Learn from the best.

    What is allowed in an opening statement?

    The opening statement allows both sides to give the judge and jury an overview of the case, including what they plan to prove and how they plan to prove it (what evidence they will offer in support of their claims).

    How do you write a good closing statement?

    Guide to Writing Closing Arguments

    1. Factual Evidence. How it supports your case.
    2. Factual Evidence. How it supports your case.
    3. Factual Evidence. How it supports your case. Comments on the credibility of witnesses: How do the puzzle pieces of evidence and testimony fit into a compelling whole?