Persuasion in Opening Statement - Generating Interest in a Convincing Manner

Michigan Bar Journal, Vol. 90, No. 1, p. 42, January 2011

4 Pages Posted: 3 May 2011 Last revised: 10 May 2011

Date Written: January 1, 2011

Abstract

This article vividly demonstrates the importance of Opening Statement at trial and that it should never-ever be waived. Opening Statement is the first opportunity for the advocate to persuasively communicate with the jury, without interruption. It is an awesome opportunity to inoculate the jury and deliver a detailed narrative that personalizes the client and states the client's cause in a manner that epitomizes your theory. This article provides examples of impact phrases that are attention-getters, such as: This is a case about a broken promise and Accidents don't just happen...they are caused...by people. Opening statement is an opportunity almost to good to be true.

Keywords: Opening Statement at Trial, Trial Practice, Litigation, Arbitration

Suggested Citation

Johnson, James A., Persuasion in Opening Statement - Generating Interest in a Convincing Manner (January 1, 2011). Michigan Bar Journal, Vol. 90, No. 1, p. 42, January 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1829026

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