level

Level

DEBATES

Opening statements
 I CAN

• Grab the listeners attention

 I CAN

• Grab the listeners attention

• State my claim/opinion clearly and
immediately
 I CAN

• Grab the listeners attention

• State my claim/opinion clearly and
immediately
• State a memorable, final concluding statement
to “seal the deal”
 purpose

• Get familiarized with structures of Opening

statement
 purpose

• Get familiarized with structures of Opening

statement
• Be able to determine what is allowed in
Opening statements
 purpose

• Get familiarized with structures of Opening

statement
• Be able to determine what is allowed in
Opening statements
• To Know how to write an Opening Statement
 What is Opening statement?
When a lawyer starts the trial or the debater approaches the
microphone, they are typically allowed to present a short
speech called an opening statement
 What is Opening statement?

This is the best opportunity to state what they believe without

being interrupted;

It is a chance to immediately begin persuading the

jury or judge.
 What is Opening statement?

Remember: the opening statement is a speech that you prepare and

practice in advance
 1
Now, let’s _________

List the Steps of

Opening statement
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Present the Theme of the Case
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Present the Theme of the Case

Presenters should have a one-sentence theme for their cases.

Emotionally based themes often serve as anchors.

 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Tell a Story
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Tell a Story
Themes and storytelling are what make opening statements
engaging and effective.
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Assemble the Facts Persuasively
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Assemble the Facts Persuasively

Present the facts in the order that will advance your conclusion.
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Make a Connection with the Jury
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Make a Connection with the Jury

Do Not Read Your Opening.

 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Make a Connection with the Jury

Do Not Read Your Opening.

Practice several times and speak directly to the jury.

 List the Steps of
Opening statement
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Conclusion

Conclude your opening by telling the jury what you would

like them to do at the and of the case:
 List the Steps of
Opening statement
• Conclusion

Conclude your opening by telling the jury what you would

like them to do at the and of the case:

“I just ask that you please keep an open mind about this case
until you hear all of the evidence.”
 Opening statement quick
checklist

• State your theme immediately in on sentence.

• Tell your story of the case without argument.
• Persuasively order your facts in a sequence that supports
your theme.
• Do not read your opening statement.
• Bring an outline, if necessary.
• Ask the jury to rule in your favour.
 Let’s play
An interactive named
 Rules

There will be provided different actions.

You should answer whether they are
allowed in Opening statements or not

If allowed answer “DO” otherwise answer

“DON’T”
 Let’s play

Tell the Story

 Let’s play

Use big words

 Let’s play

Speak Loudly and Clearly

 Let’s play

Be Nervous
 Let’s play

Try to Speak Without Notes

Let’s play

Rush
 Let’s play

Be Humble, Honest and Straightforward

 Let’s play

Ignore Weaknesses of Your Own Case

Flashcard revise
This is the start of the recap
 What did we learn?

• Purpose of Opening Statement

• Structure of Opening Statement
• Persuade the auditory
• How to write an Opening Statement
 Thank you
and
See you soon 