Openings and Closings - F25TH

Which of these are important parts of a good opening statement:

• what you say;
• how you say it
• both of these
• neither of these

Which of these are reasons why you shouldn't state "facts" during your opening statement that you can't prove:

• It isn't ethical
• A good oppposing counsel will use it against you in their closing argument
• Neither of these
• Both of these

True or False. Attorneys can't share their personal opinions with the jury - not during opening statements or any other time.

• True
• False

Which of these is part of a good opening statement:

• All of these
• Introduce yourself and your client;
• Tell the jury what happened ;
• Tell the jury what you expect your witnesses to say;
• Tell the jury what you believe your key exhibits will say;

Which of these is part of a good opening statement:

• All of these
• None of these
• Tell the jury what the judge will say about the law (jury instructions);
• Forewarn jury about the weaknesses of your case;
• Themes that tie your other points together;

True or False. A good way to remember all the things you should say in your opening statement is to write it out word for word.

• True
• False

True or False. Your themes should be long enough to capture all the key parts of your case.

• True
• False

Which of these should you do during your opening statement:

• make a list of key points for your opening statement ;
• read your opening statement ;
• memorize your opening statement ;
• all of these ;
• none of these ;

True or False. To avoid boring the jury, there should be no moments of silence in your opening statement.

• True
• False

Which of these should you do with the pace of your opening statement:

• vary your pace
• slow down for the really important points
• go fast when you want to point out that things were rushed or hectic
• all of these
• none of these