When the opponent later raises the argument, jurors are able to resist it more successfully. Persuasive opening statements enable the jurors to see the case from the client's perspective . They recreate the events as seen through the client's eyes. This focus enables jurors to have greater empathy for the client. Persuasive opening statements do not ignore problem areas in the client's case.
Damaging evidence is anticipated and discussed.
Not only is the impact of the evidence attenuated, but the attorney is viewed as being more open and honest by jurors. Effective opening statements call into question the credibility of critical opposing witnesses , where possible. Knowing in advance that witnesses have credibility problems in their testimony strengthens the listener's resistance to persuasion by those witnesses, thus reducing their effectiveness. Good opening statements take advantage of the fact that jurors must understand key legal terms before they view the case in order to integrate properly the information. Discuss key terms in language that jurors can understand.