If you’ve never been to a deposition and you’re scheduled for one, it can be a nerve-wracking thought. A deposition is similar to testifying in court, but it happens outside of the courtroom and does not require a jury trial. The deposing party sends an attorney or professional to sit at the interviewee’s side and directly ask them questions. Certain tactics will inevitably be employed by the other team, like trying to disrupt your thought process or make you angry, in hopes that you provide damaging information. In this article, we will equip you with some tips for being successful in your remote deposition by first understanding how depositions work from beginning to end.
Overview
A remote deposition is a deposition that is taken outside of the traditional courtroom setting. This can be done for many reasons, such as convenience or necessity. Whatever the reason, there are certain etiquette tips that should be followed in order to ensure a successful remote deposition.
Here are some tips for a successful remote deposition:
1. Be sure to stay ready with a good and working internet connection.
2. Be on time (or early) for your deposition.
3. Dress professionally, as if you were going to court.
4. Be respectful to everyone involved in the process.
5. Follow the guidance of the court reporter.
6. Make sure your audio and video are working properly before the deposition begins.
7. Speak clearly and slowly during your testimony.
8. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
9. Take breaks as needed, but don’t use them as an excuse to avoid answering questions.
10. Be honest in your testimony and don’t try to hide anything from the other side as your statement is being testified by the Connecticut court reporters.
Dress for Success
It is important to remember that although you are not appearing in person for your remote deposition, you are still representing yourself and your company. You should dress as you would for an in-person deposition, in business attire. This shows respect for the process and the other attorneys involved. It also sets the tone for a professional environment, which will also help you focus and do your best.
Phone Calls and Questions During the Deposition
If you are a deponent who will be testifying via telephone or video conferencing, it is important to be aware of the etiquette tips for a successful remote deposition.
1. Make sure your phone is on silent and that you will not be interrupted during the deposition.
2. Be aware of your body language and facial expressions – even though the attorney may not be able to see you, the court reporter and other participants will be able to.
3. Speak clearly and at a normal pace – this includes avoiding any sort of slang or the like.
4. Listen carefully to the questions that are being asked and take your time in answering them. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the attorney to repeat or rephrase a question if necessary.
5. Be honest in your answers and do not speculate – if you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.
6. Avoid making any comments or interruptions when others are speaking – this can interfere with the court reporter’s transcription of the proceedings.
7. If you need to take a break for any reason, let the attorney know in advance so that they can accommodate your request.
Concluding the Remote Deposition Contact
Once the deposition is concluded, be sure to thank everyone present for their time and participation. If you are using a court reporter, thank them as well. Finally, let everyone know that the meeting is adjourned and that will be all for today. If you want to leverage professional deposition services, you can always get in touch with A Plus Reporting services from Connecticut Court Reporters.
