Written by Jarrett Stone
Using what we learned in the Ultimate Guide to Opening Statements, let's analyze an Opening Statement example. With this particular example, a prosecutor delivered her Opening Statement during a murder trial (so the stakes were pretty high!).
Truthfully, it doesn't matter whether you practice criminal law, civil law, family law, or whether you are preparing for a mock trial. Watching an Opening Statement example is a great way to improve your own trial advocacy skills.
By watching examples like this, you can begin to incorporate these tips and tricks into your own Opening Statement. You can also avoid and -- more importantly -- improve upon the mistakes made by others as well.
Plus, the best examples of an Opening Statement involve some x-factors that are super easy to overlook.
Let's dive in!
After you write an Opening Statement, you need to practice presenting it in front of the jury. That way you can practice delivering the tone and the pace of the overall presentation and argument.
While you are doing a mock opening statement (i.e. practice run), be sure to ask these questions to yourself:
So be sure to watch the above video to see all of these elements in play!
With this Opening Statement Example, I walk you through the things that I really like and the things that I think could have improved the overall presentation (and everything in between!).
Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel and let me know your thoughts!
The Importance of Opening Statement Examples. Using what we learned in the Ultimate Guide to Opening Statements, let’s analyze an Opening Statement example. With this particular example, a prosecutor delivered her Opening Statement during a murder trial (so the stakes were pretty high!). Truthfully, it doesn’t matter whether you practice criminal law, civil law, family law,
Read MoreStep-by-Step Breakdown of Opening StatementsThe above YouTube video about Opening Statements is probably my most in-depth video about trial advocacy to date.In it, I walk you through the 10 steps to having the best Opening Statement ever. Each step is strategically placed within your presentation so you can maximize your Opening Statement.I made this video after
Read MoreCredibility is king in the courtroom!Unfortunately, a lot of trial lawyers don’t know how to make a proper opening statement and end up losing credibility with the jurors.To make matters worse, they are blowing a huge opportunity to get the jury to start criticizing the other party before you even start talking about the facts!Here’s
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