This is your opening speech to the jury after they have been selected and before you start to put on evidence. It is the time when you reveal to the jury what you are going to prove in the trial and how that relates to what has happened, your rights, the landlord's conduct, and why you should not be evicted.

The lawyer writes this up for you to read to the jury. A first impression is a lasting impression, so as the jury listens to your description of what you are going to prove, they begin to understand why you are there fighting this case, and want you to win.