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Category: Opening statement

OPENING STATEMENTS THAT WORK

OPENING STATEMENTS THAT WORK

In spite of all of the writing and seminars on the subject of opening statements, too many trial lawyers maintain a wrong and overly simplistic view of this important step in the trial. Remember, the opening statement is the critical first impression with the jury about the case. Too many lawyers take the easy road of telling a chronological narrative is if it were a police report instead of a compelling emotional story. Opening statements are important. That’s when most jurors…

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THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRST WORDS IN COMMUNICATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRST WORDS IN COMMUNICATION

Lawyers in general talk too much without focusing their ideas and as a result bore jurors. In trial this can be fatal to your case. Too often we underestimate the power of the words we use to start our communication to the jury whether it is in jury selection or opening statement. When you first stand up to speak to the jury, it is a magic moment in which you have everyone’s full attention for a short time; probably no…

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DAMAGE OPENING STATEMENT OUTLINE

DAMAGE OPENING STATEMENT OUTLINE

Today I’d like to share with you an actual one  page outline I used in opening statement in  a very major damage case resulting in a record  jury  verdict. The case involved a man who contacted a power line with a metal pole he was using  while installing a bill board  postor sheet. The electrical force knocked him off  the platform where was standing to the ground a long distance below. He was badly burned and had to have three…

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