Opening Statement Study
Jurors begin forming verdict decisions the moment trial starts. Typically after openings.
Once that first impression is made, it’s difficult to change.
We Develop Opening Statements That Captivate Jurors & Help Deliver Winning Results
Openings Are Not Important-
They Are Everything
First Impressions Shape The Verdict
Jurors begin forming verdict decisions the moment trial starts
First Impressions – Initial impressions quickly solidify and become the reference point for all subsequent evaluations.
• Early Verdict Formation – Most jurors develop a preliminary verdict direction early in the trial, often by the end of opening statements.
• Narrative Construction – From the first moments, jurors begin building a mental story of the case, shaping expectations before the full evidence is presented.
• Persuasive Imperative – A strong, clear, and compelling opening statement is critical because it establishes the lens through which the entire trial will be viewed.
• Confirmation Filter – Jurors naturally interpret testimony and evidence through the filter of their early verdict impression, reinforcing what they already believe.
• Rarely Reversed – Once jurors commit to an initial verdict leaning, their position seldom changes without extraordinary, disconfirming evidence.
A Powerful Opening Statement
Verdict Decisions Are Made The Moment Trial Starts
Each opening statements is individually designed to:
Sets the Stage – Frames the entire case in jurors’ minds from the very first word.
Controls the Narrative – Creates a story that guides how jurors interpret all testimony.
Shapes the Lens – Provides the framework through which jurors filter every piece of subsequent evidence.
Influences the Verdict – Shapes jurors’ ultimate decision before evidence is even presented.
Highlights Key Themes – Introduces your central arguments and case theory effectively.
Builds Credibility – Establishes trust and authority for you and your witnesses.
Engages Emotionally – Connects with jurors on an emotional level to reinforce retention.
Anchors Evidence – Prepares jurors to remember critical facts and testimony throughout trial.
Opening Statement Process
Develop Openings That Persuade, Engage, and Stick with Jurors During Deliberations
We develop Opening Statements that have:
Message Impact – Ensure key themes land clearly and memorably for jurors.
Persuasive First Impression – Create a credible and compelling introduction that engages jurors immediately.
Reinforce Key Points – Deliver arguments in a way jurors remember and can easily recall.
Juror Testing – Test your opening with surrogate jurors reflecting the venue’s demographics and attitudes to see what truly resonates.
Emotional Engagement – Connect with jurors on both intellectual and emotional levels to strengthen persuasion.
Narrative Flow – Craft a logical, compelling story arc that guides jurors and enhances comprehension.
Cognitive-Friendly Framing – Present evidence and themes in a way that is easy to process, recall, and act upon.
Strategic Highlighting – Emphasize critical issues and themes that frame juror interpretation throughout the trial.
What You Gain
Your Roadmap To Framing A Case Responsive To Jurors
Strategically developed openings guide jurors’ attention and shape verdict outcomes
Juror Feedback – Real-world juror feedback on message clarity and tone
Message Effectiveness – Insights into what persuades and what falls flat
Narrative Evaluation – Empirical evaluation of narrative impact and argument strength
Actionable Guidance – Actionable guidance to refine delivery, theme, and flow
Trial Confidence – Confidence that your opening sets the right foundation for the entire trial
Research-Based Methodology
Evidence That Drives Opening Persuasion
How We Do It:
Surrogate Jurors – Participants are selected to mirror your trial venue’s demographics and attitudes.
Recorded Sessions – Capture presentations and juror feedback for in-depth post-analysis.
Persuasion Analysis – Qualitative and quantitative assessment of clarity, impact, and effectiveness.
Actionable Insights – Data-driven recommendations to refine structure, tone, and content.
Strategic Alignment – Ensure your opening statement aligns with juror psychology and key case themes.
What This Study Provides
Data-Driven Feedback for Strategic Refinement
You Receive:
Empirical Feedback – Data measuring real juror reactions to your opening statement.
Narrative Analysis – Identify story strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
Persuasive Optimization – Refine tone, structure, and delivery for maximum juror impact.
Decision Dynamics – Apply techniques to influence early juror decision-making in your favor.
Strategic Confidence – Ensure your opening positions your case for success from day one.
Tailored to Fit Your Trial Timeline
Studies are offered in customizable formats to match your schedule and goals.
Available Formats:
Abbreviated Exploratory Sessions – Early-stage review and feedback
Half-Day or Full-Day Sessions – Focused testing and delivery refinement
Multi-Day Sessions – Comprehensive evaluation with multiple iterations
In-Person or Virtual Options – Seamless nationwide delivery
The Opening Statement Advantage
Frame Your Case. Capture the Jury. Control the Verdict.
Our Opening Statement Studies help you:
Set the Foundation – Guide how jurors interpret every fact and witness.
Capture Attention Early – Draw jurors in from the first moment and define your narrative.
Deliver with Clarity & Credibility – Present your case with precision, confidence, and trust.
Influence from Day One – Position your case to shape juror thinking from the start.
Create Emotional Momentum – Turn facts into a story jurors feel and remember.
Identify What Connects – Learn which arguments resonate—and which don’t.
Gain a Roadmap – Know what to emphasize, refine, or abandon.
Reveal Juror Beliefs – Expose fairness perceptions and moral judgments that drive verdicts.
Build Lasting Credibility – Reinforce your authority through preparation and poise.
Influence Early Verdicts – Shape juror opinions long before deliberation begins.