Addressing Jurors, Opening
How to speak persuasively in a courtroom setting
Time: 12:22 Channeling our energies into our presentations: Why we're apprehensive in court, how to effectively use our voice and natural gestures to communicate..
$7.50
Presenting expert conclusions in opening
Time: 11:43 Discussing what your expert witness is going to say: Previewing experts' testimony, introduce the expert’s credentials, describe the process used; explain the conclusions reached...
$7.50
Avoid lawyer-talk when speaking to jurors
Time 12:20 Practice making sure you are communicating clearly: Your choice of language is key. To connect with jurors you need to persuade, get beyond the lawyer-speak and talk like a regular person...
$7.50
Speak effectively: pace, volume and tone
Time: 18:03 Practice with your voice at the distance you will be from the judge or jury: A lawyer’s voice can make or break the effectiveness of the communication with the jury. Pace, volume, and tone are the key elements...
$7.50
Use motion: gestures, positioning and expressions
Time: 10:02 Practice how you want to move in the courtroom: There’s a place in the courtroom where you want to be to talk to the jury. Get set before you speak. No walking and talking. Be conscious of your body language...
$7.50
Previewing testimony and exhibits persuasively
Time: 16:42 Marshaling the facts to point directly to the proponent's conclusion: Using graphics to make the facts "work" for your client's cause; using language to make facts memorable when they come up during the trial; factors in decid..
$7.50
Countering the other side’s expert
Time: 14:32 Focus on shortcomings in the expert’s testimony: How to quickly give the jury another perspective on the case they are about to hear; responding to plaintiff's opening in a positive manner; coordinating theme and theory...
$7.50
Options for explaining the applicable law
Time: 8:02 Making the Rules of the Game Understandable for Lay Jurors: The need to explain the law, explanations must be short, neutral, and accurate to get by judges' attitudes, stipulation may be possible...
$7.50
Permitted use of graphics in opening
Time: 14:10 The How, Why, and When of Graphics in an Opening Statement: The need for graphics under certain kinds of circumstances with the facts of the case; examples of useful kinds of graphics; the requirement to orient the jury to your graph..
$7.50
Preparing for the opening
Time: 11:59 What to do ahead of time: Assess good facts and bad facts; develop themes a jury can follow; plan graphics; outline witness examination..
$7.50
Countering the other side’s themes and theories
Time: 15:04 Take the jury quickly to your side's theme and theory and contrast your strengths with their weaknesses: Introducing the defense expert; comparing and contrasting the experts' conclusions; showing why what the defense expert did over..
$7.50
Structure and delivery
Time: 16:10 Giving the Jury Something They Can Follow: Length, topics, going positive or negative, organization, the use of notes..
$7.50
The critical last 60 seconds
Time: 10:35 Wrap Up the Opening Statement Carefully: Allot 60 seconds to the ending of your opening. Memorize it; no notes. Make sure you avoid “argument” or you may face an objection...
$7.50