A successful opening statement: Draws in the listener from the first sentences Narrates facts into a story-board or framework that the audience – judge or jury – is familiar and comfortable with Tells that story with less attention to finite details and more to ensuring that the gist is grasped Is persuasive without becoming argumentative Strikes an emotionally resonant chord Leaves the listener desirous of and receptive to confirmation as the evidence unfolds The dilemma is for the defense lawyer, he/she who opens second. If the moving party has indeed set the stage with a compelling narration, the defense must quickly move the listener to a new narrative, a story at least as compelling, familiar and morally satisfying. If this does not occur, there is only one framework and one set of expectations. One author has described this as having and setting a “hook,” much as in fishing: An ordinary opening statement relies upon each juror to supply the motivation to actively listen. A hook is a story device that functions in three important ways: …