Professor Barbara Barron of Hofstra Law says despite how ridiculous it might sound, it’s helpful for lawyers who are preparing an opening statement to imagine that the factfinder is five years old.

“How do you tell this story to a five-year-old? How do you tell this story that will be understandable to a young child?” said Barron during a program on openings last week sponsored by NITA. “I guarantee you, if you know your case well enough, you will be able to do it.”