How do you win a closing argument?
Asked by: Gabriel Gutkowski | Last update: July 7, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)
To be successful, it must be satisfying and persuasive to the jury. However, often, too often, it becomes a liability due to poor planning or execution. Your Closing Argument needs to be engaging, goal-oriented, honest, and delivered with passion and verve.
How do you end an argument and win?
- “Let me think about that.” This works in part because it buys time. ...
- “You may be right.” This works because it shows willingness to compromise. ...
- “I understand.” ...
- “I'm sorry.” ...
- “Can we take a break and revisit this later?”
What is the golden rule of closing arguments?
A “golden rule” argument is one that, regardless of the nomenclature used, asks the jurors to place themselves in a victim's position. We have repeatedly held that a golden rule argument is improper, and we conclude that the State violated this prohibition in its closing argument.
How to make a powerful closing statement?
- Close with an inspirational quotation. Find a short quote that captures the feeling you want the audience to have. ...
- Include a call to action. ...
- Tell a story. ...
- Describe the impact of what happens if the audience does what you ask. ...
- Transition to Q+A. ...
- Match the opening sentence.
Who goes 1st in closing arguments?
The Right to Present a Defense
They are also entitled to give a closing argument. Usually, the prosecution first makes a closing argument, then the defense attorney. The prosecutor, who has the burden of proof, frequently gets the chance to respond to the defense's final argument.
Ponzi Scheme Murder Trial: Prosecution Closing Argument
How goes first in closing arguments?
The plaintiff, having the burden of proof, usually has the right to give her closing argument first, followed by the defendant's closing argument. In many jurisdictions, the plaintiff may use all of the allotted time, or the plaintiff may reserve time (e.g., ten minutes) to use after the defendant's closing argument.
What can't you say in closing arguments?
The lawyers cannot talk about issues outside the case or about evidence that was not presented. The judge usually indicates to the lawyers before closing arguments begin which instructions he or she intends to give the jury.
What makes a good closing argument?
Conclusion: The conclusion of our closing argument must be powerful and memorable. This is our last chance to make an impression. We should summarize the key points succinctly, restate our case theme, and make a compelling call to action, urging the jury to deliver a verdict in our favor.
What are examples of good closing remarks?
- We hope you enjoyed attending our event as much as we enjoyed putting it together. ...
- Thank you for coming to our get-together. ...
- We have come a long way since the last time we were all together. ...
- Before we all head out, I would like to thank everyone who showed up tonight.
How to politely end a debate?
- "I Understand Where You're Coming From" ...
- "Let's Agree To Disagree" ...
- "We Are Allowed To Have Different Opinions/Views. ...
- "I Appreciate Your Perspective" ...
- "I Hear You" ...
- "You Have Keen Insight and Great Ideas, but Now Is Really Not a Good Time To Have This Discussion"
What is reptile theory?
Reptile theory encourages the jury to focus on the acts of the defendant rather than the specific facts surrounding the individual plaintiff's injury. Combat that strategy by assessing your case promptly and developing your defense theory at the outset.
What are the 3 basic golden rules?
- "Debit what comes in - credit what goes out."
- "Credit the giver and Debit the Receiver."
- "Credit all income and debit all expenses."
What comes after closing arguments?
After the judge gives you your instructions and you hear the attorneys' closing arguments, you leave the courtroom and go to the jury room to begin your deliberations. "Deliberation" is the process the jury uses to reach its verdict. During deliberations, the jury will discuss evidence and review law and facts. 2.
How do you argue with a narcissist?
If you're arguing with a narcissist, being firm with your boundaries will help you stand your ground. You should also acknowledge their feelings because it may help soothe them. Don't hesitate to step away if you need to step away from the conversation to gather your thoughts.
What are 3 ways to win an argument?
There are three main ways to respond to an argument: 1) challenge the facts the other person is using; 2) challenge the conclusions they draw from those facts; and 3) accept the point, but argue the weighting of that point (i.e., other points should be considered above this one.)
How to win confrontation?
- Acknowledge why you are arguing. ...
- Think about how you'll give the other side an out. ...
- Pay attention to your emotions. ...
- Pay attention to surroundings. ...
- Have a conversational off-ramp. ...
- Mirror, instead of reacting. ...
- Remember what “winning” really means.
How do you write a powerful closing statement?
- Play the “So What” Game. ...
- Return to the theme or themes in the introduction. ...
- Synthesize, don't summarize. ...
- Include a provocative insight or quotation from the research or reading you did for your paper.
What is a good example of opening remarks?
Short Welcome Speech for an Event
Good Morning everyone, a very warm welcome to all present here, respected teachers and the parents, and students. A special thanks to the Chief Guest of the day (mention his/her name). It's an honor to be graced by the presence of such an accomplished author and entrepreneur.
What is the best ending line for a speech?
While we encourage you to think about how to end a presentation using a unique final statement, there's nothing wrong with using these common closing phrases: Thank you for your time. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today. I'll now answer any questions you have about (topic).
What is a good closing remark?
Your closing remarks in a speech help the audience remember the main points of your address and the reason you gave it. It's a summary of your most essential points. As a result, more people will remember what you say at the beginning and end of your speech than anything said in between.
What is not allowed in closing arguments?
Don't express personal opinion.
You cannot explicitly inject your own credibility or personal opinions into a closing argument. (“I personally believe that there is no doubt as to the defendant's guilt.”). Likewise, you cannot vouch for a witness.
What is the burden of proof in a closing argument?
Burden of Proof. For criminal cases, state how your evidence met (or the prosecutor's evidence did not meet) the burden of beyond a reasonable doubt. For civil cases, state how your evidence met (or the plaintiff's evidence did not meet) the burden of preponderance of the evidence.
How long do closing arguments usually last?
And can you get a new trial if the court does not give you enough time for closing argument? The “average” closing statement in America is between twenty and forty minutes long.
What does a judge say when a case is closed?
Judge: (After verdict is read) Thank you, Jury, for your service today. Court is adjourned. Any attorney may object to a question asked of a witness on the stand or the admission of an exhibit if s/he feels that it does not follow a rule of evidence.
Who goes last in closing arguments?
The defendant usually goes second. The plaintiff or prosecution is usually then permitted a final rebuttal argument. In some jurisdictions, however, this form is condensed, and the prosecution or plaintiff goes second, after the defense, with no rebuttals.