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The influence of opening statement/closing argument organizational strategy on juror verdict and damage awards
Shelley C Spiecker1, Debra L Worthington
1Department of Communication and Journalism, Auburn University, 217 Tichenor Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.
Abstract:
This study examines the influence of the organizational strategy used to structure opening statements and closing arguments on presentation effectiveness in a simulated civil trial. Two organizational structures, a narrative and a legal-expository format, were manipulated to produce a 2 (plaintiff organizational strategy) x 3 (defense organizational strategy) experimental design. Results indicate that a mixed organizational strategy (narrative opening/legal-expository closing) is more effective for the plaintiff than a strict narrative strategy, and either a mixed or strict legal-expository organizational strategy is more effective than a strict narrative strategy for the defense.
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