#opening statement

David Holmes, the state department aide who overheard President Donald Trump's conversation with the US ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, said that Sondland told Trump that the Ukranian President would do "anything you ask him to," and that he confirmed the Ukrainians were going to "do the investigation."

"Sondland told Trump that (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky 'loves your ass,'" Holmes said, according to a copy of his opening statement obtained by CNN. "I then heard President Trump ask, 'So, he's gonna do the investigation?' Ambassador Sondland replied that 'he's gonna do it,' adding that President Zelensky will do 'anything you ask him to.'"Holmes explained that Sondland placed the call to Trump, and he could hear Trump because the call was so loud in the restaurant where they were with two others."While Ambassador Sondland's phone was not on speakerphone, I could hear the President's voice through the earpiece of the phone. The President's voice was very loud and recognizable, and Ambassador Sondland held the phone away from his ear for a period of time, presumably because of the loud volume," Holmes testified.

"Even though I did not take notes of those statements, I have a clear recollection that these statements were made," Holmes added.

Diplomat testifies EU ambassador said Trump's interest in Ukraine was 'investigations of Biden'

Holmes also confirmed Taylor's testimony about the President's thoughts on Ukraine, saying he asked Sondland "if it was true that the Presisdent did not 'give a s—t about Ukraine."

#opening statements #April 11, 2022 #Fairfax, Virginia

As a “hot seat” presenter, I have had the privilege throughout the years to see some really great openings from well- practiced articulate “Trial Warriors” in Court.  Some will start their opening with a quote, others will tell a story, while some will make promises to the Jury.

An opening statement is a critical moment in a trial, and it sets the tone for the entire case. Here are five tips for delivering a better opening statement at trial:

Grab the Jury’s Attention: Begin with a powerful statement that captures the jury’s attention and sets the stage for the case. This can be a quote, a question, or a statement that highlights the key issue in the case.  It an also be something simple as raising or lowering your voice at a particular time during your opening presentation.

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