How to Write an Opening Statement
Well begun is half done, might be a gigantic cliche, but when you come to think of it, it actually makes a lot of sense. It applies to anything we do - from the way we get up in the morning and the way we start our day to any work or project or assignment we undertake. Obviously then, it also holds true for anything we write. Be it a debate, a court trial or the like, your opening statement is the most vital aspect of your presentation. That sets the course of events to follow. It can make or break the presentation for you. Knowing how to write an opening statement is essential. Hang on if you want to know about that.
How to Write an Opening Statement for Court
I am sure I don't need to tell you what is an opening statement. An opening statement in a trial is the beginning of the arguments in favor of the person the lawyer is representing in the court. Here is how to make an opening statement in the court.
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To begin with, the objective has to be to tell the jurors the core aspect of the court case in the first minute. The opening statement, therefore has to be written keeping that in mind. The theme has to be clearly described.
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While the facts of the case have to be written in a crystal clear way, personalizing the facts is as important, as jurors connect better with sentiments and emotions than the incidences.
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Writing the opening statement in a persuasive is a must, but at the same time, it should not be pushy and should not hammer the conclusion of the case. The reason is that there is no use in doing that as the decision would not be taken before the testimonies from both sides. This applies for a mock trial as well.
Eventually, writing the statement in way that the jury clearly understands where the lawyer stands and the lawyer's version of the case will go a long way in influencing the jurors. Incorporating all the details and law on a larger canvas so that the jury relates to it is essential. The written statement should also reflect enthusiasm. Here is one of the opening statement examples - Ms. Fremantle purchased an insurance policy from Smith and Hogan Insurance Company trusting that if she paid her premiums, they would pay her claims. For five years, she regularly paid her premiums. However, when she needed them, when the time came to honor their commitment, they walked away. We're asking that at the end of the day, you make Smith and Hogan honor their commitment.
How to Write an Opening Statement for a Debate
After writing an opening statement for a trial, we will deal with the opening statement for a debate. It is almost like what you would do for trial, the only difference is that you are not representing someone else, but yourself. Like in a trial, the opening statement in a debate too has to include the core arguments of your debate topic and a brief description of what is going to be discussed. Here the opening statement can be a bit longer. Enthusiasm and a passion for the topic being dabbled into should be portrayed through that opening statement. Basically the way you write it, should help you keep up the energy and tempo all through. How to do that will be easily understood by checking out an example of an opening statement.
The first couple of sentences should be such that they make an immediate impact, be it a trial or a debate. Then the whole argument can be built up. A bit of research will help you find a number of opening statement samples and will equip you with nuances of writing an opening statement. Hope this was useful!
