The fourth is from “How to Write an Opening Statement, 7 Steps” – wikiHow to do anything at http://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Opening-Statement and states:
An attorney prosecuting or defending an accused criminal at a trial must devote a lot of time and resources to preparing for court. Understanding the facts of the case, legal precedent and the strengths and weaknesses of both sides is essential. Also important is the speaking skills of the attorney. He or she will need to address the court, most importantly the judge and jury. The first impression that jurors will get during the trial is the attorney’s opening statement. The opening statement is the best opportunity the attorney has to lay out the case without objection or argument from the other side. Write an opening statement that will get the attention of the jury.
Steps
1. Create an outline. Working off an outline will keep the opening statement organized and inclusive of all the important themes of the case. Use a legal pad or a notebook to outline the opening statement. Write down the major points that need to be addressed, and then fill in each point with more detail and specific information.
2. Appeal to the jury’s emotions. The jury is made up of real people who live real lives. Create the opening statement to sound like a story. If the case is something that the jury can relate to, they will remember and relate to the information shared by the attorney. A compelling opening statement will provide the opportunity to tell a story and get the jury members personally involved.
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