Telling a Story in Opening Statement Through the Eyes of A Truck
My good friend Steve Moskos from Charleston, just got a great verdict in Manning, South Carolina. It was a case where a dealership took in a rebuilt wreck and even though they knew about the substantial damage to the truck, sold the pick up and failed to disclose the previous damage. In addition to trying a good case, Steve presented his opening statement from the first person perspective of the damaged truck. Here is what Steve has to say:
In my opening, I told the story from the point of view of the truck. I was a bit nervous about whether it would come off okay, but it worked pretty good. I used things like "I was built Ford tough" and " a deer ran out in front of me. The driver jerked the wheel. I heard something snap. I lost control I rolled on to my side. I heard glass smashing. I felt the pavement tear holes in my metal as I slid down the asphalt." …
To say the least, the jury stayed awake. It was a refreshing change.
What a great idea. I’m a big fan of taking the facts and telling a story. What better way to tell a story of the wreck, than through the eyes of the truck that experienced it. Thanks for sharing that idea with us and congratulations on your client’s verdict.
Sounds like what Gerry Spence teaches at the Trial Lawyers College.
Speaking of Gerry - Spence partner Mel Orchard just did this, opening in the first person of our clients' deceased husband and father in a wrongful death case we tried in Casper. Orchard was great, and it worked so well that we should all try this.
I'm doing my first mock trial in school in about two weeks. The case is based on a real case the State of Washington vs. Charles M. Jones. I am the lead proscuting attorney and I was selected to give an opening statement and I have no clue what to say can you please help me?
That was good post. Do you mind if I link to on my blog for my readers?
Mark
Mark,
Please do link to it. That's the way of the blogosphere. The more the merrier.
