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Opening and Closing (cont'd)
Purpose.
Courtroom presentation consultation can improve the effectiveness of opening statement and/or closing argument for trial. Consultation can also be undertaken in preparation for presenting a case before research jurors in pre-trial jury research.
Timing.
Consultation on presentations should be timed to allow modification of the argument prior to the actual presentation. This may include changes in content, format, presentation style, or demonstrative aids and visuals.
Program Design.
Opening & Closing work can be completed during case strategy sessions, or separate sessions can be scheduled to work on the details of a specific presentation. The process generally includes developing and refining trial visuals. Video is frequently used to help develop more effective presentation techniques. A skilled communication specialist first reviews a videotaped or live opening statement and/or closing argument. Following recommendations for adjustments, the presentation is videotaped and reviewed again, highlighting areas which may require additional modification. Courtroom consultation sessions range between two and sixteen hours in length.
The Role of Counsel.
At a minimum, counsel should be prepared to deliver a preliminary version of the opening statement or closing argument. It is important to have those preliminary drafts, visuals, or exhibits available which will be used in the actual presentation, as well as any equipment necessary to display the exhibits.
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