OPENING STATEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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An opening statement is an initial or introductory statement made by a speaker at the beginning of a presentation, trial, or debate. It serves as an essential component in various formal settings where one needs to set the tone, outline the key points, or present an argument.
In a trial or legal proceeding, an opening statement is made by the attorney of each party to offer an outline of the case before presenting evidence or witnesses. It is an opportunity for the lawyer to provide an overview of their theory of the case, outline the evidence they intend to present, and convey their client's position. The opening statement aims to engage the jury or the judge and establish a persuasive narrative structure that will guide the subsequent proceedings.
Similarly, in a debate or public speaking scenario, an opening statement is used to capture the audience's attention and introduce the topic. It sets the stage for the speaker to state their main argument, provide a context, and present the purpose of their presentation. The opening statement typically includes attention-grabbing hooks, anecdotes, or compelling facts to captivate the listeners' interest.
Overall, an opening statement is a strategic communication tool employed to lay the groundwork for a discussion, trial, or presentation. It allows the speaker to establish credibility, generate curiosity, and provide a clear structure for the subsequent discourse.
Common Misspellings for OPENING STATEMENT
- ipening statement
- kpening statement
- lpening statement
- ppening statement
- 0pening statement
- 9pening statement
- ooening statement
- olening statement
- o-ening statement
- o0ening statement
- opwning statement
- opsning statement
- opdning statement
- oprning statement
- op4ning statement
- op3ning statement
- opebing statement
- opeming statement
- opejing statement
- opehing statement
Etymology of OPENING STATEMENT
The word "opening" in the phrase "opening statement" originates from the Old English word "opnian", which means "to open". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root word "upeno" which has a similar meaning. "Opening" refers to the act of beginning or starting something, such as a discussion, presentation, or legal argument.
The word "statement" originates from the Latin word "stare", meaning "to stand". This Latin root was used in medieval Latin to form the word "statementum", meaning a "thing stated" or a "declaration". Over time, this term was adapted into English as "statement", referring to a formal expression or affirmation of something.
Therefore, the etymology of "opening statement" reflects the combination of two words: "opening", referring to the act of beginning or starting, and "statement", referring to a formal expression or declaration.
