At the beginning of the trial, each party (beginning with the party having the burden
of proof on the first issue) shall, without argument and in such reasonable time as
the court allows, state to the court and the jury the following:
(a) the substance of the claim, counterclaim, crossclaim, or defense; and
(b) what the party contends the evidence will show. Parties not having the
burden of proof on the first issue may elect to make an opening statement
immediately prior to presenting evidence rather than at the beginning of the
trial.
