1. Trial Advocacy The Closing Statement
Created By Riley Wynkoop <3

2. Have a powerful introduction (the grab)
Reintroduce theme
Personalize view
Take the emotional high ground

3. Explain Relevant Law Ally with the judge Establish burden of proof
Acknowledge case elements
Address evidentiary issues

4. Integrate trial testimony into the law
Relevance of legal standard

5. Incorporate trial testimony into theme
List
Display demonstrative aids/exhibits

6. Strike Proper Emotional Tone
Employ horizontal dialogue
Persuasive style of speaking
(Voice/Pause/Names)
(Face/Hands/Body)
Effective non-verbal communication
Eliminate barriers to communication
Inclusive language (13th Juror)

7. Use the tools of argument
Use rhetorical questions
Recall without rehashing
Analogies, anecdotes, stories
Appeal to common sense

8. “Prick the boil” Confront contrary evidence
Integrate contrary evidence
Deflect contrary evidence

9. Build credibility Honest and personal disclosure
Recognize audience limits
Exhibit passion and conviction
Employ logic (“are as they seem”)

10. Closing sentence (may be modified version)
“Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence shows and justice demands that you find the defendant guilty/not guilty.”

11. Deductions Blowing the first impression Thanking the jury
Rehearsing the trial
Exaggeration
Misrepresentation
Misstated evidence
Vertical dialogue
Informative speaking style
Personalize your opponent
Arrogance
Communication barriers
Complicate with excessive points
Personal opinion
Grandiose assertions
Mention excluded evidence
Mention testimony refusal
Include bias
Nullify the jury
“Golden Rule”
Passing on rebuttal
Trivial objection

12. Relevant objections Improper argument Arguing jury nullification
Improper comment on defendant’s refusal to testify (Immediate Mistrial)
Irrelevant
Unfairly prejudice
Appeals to passion and prejudice
Counsel is referring to inadmissible evidence