Working from home has become increasingly popular over the last few years. According to a recent report from Global Workplace Analytics, the number of people working from home has increased by 115% since 2005.

By now, we are all used to the “new normal” of working from home. Although this arrangement has many advantages, it presents some challenges—especially when it comes to attending a remote deposition.

A remote deposition is a legal proceeding in which the attorneys and witnesses participate remotely, typically via video conferencing. This can be difficult without proper tools because the attorneys and witnesses may not be able to see or hear each other properly, which can make communication difficult.

Here are some tips and tools to help you make the most of your remote deposition experience:

What Exactly Is a Remote Deposition?

A remote deposition is an electronic record used in courtrooms across the United States. It is typically conducted over the internet, allowing attorneys to question witnesses located elsewhere in the world. This technology can be a tremendous advantage for plaintiffs, allowing them to take testimony from witnesses who would otherwise be unavailable.

Tips for an Effective Remote Deposition

● Check your technology in advance. Ensure you have a strong internet connection and that your camera and microphone are working correctly. Also, test the platform you will be using in advance, so there are no surprises on the day of the deposition.

● Get organized before the deposition starts. Have all your documents pulled and organized so you can easily find them when needed during the deposition. This will save time and frustration later on.

● Make sure you are in a quiet place with no distractions. This will help ensure that you can focus on what is being said during the deposition. It also helps reduce background noise for those listening to or watching the recording.

● Mute yourself when not speaking: That way, people won’t hear any extraneous noises coming from your end, such as typing and rustling papers.

● Pay attention and take notes: Even though the deposition will be transcribed later on, it is essential to pay attention and take your own notes during the proceedings. This will help you remember what was said and can be helpful when reviewing the transcript later on.

● Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed: If something is not clear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from the person who is testifying. It is better to get clarification now than to be confused later on when reviewing the transcript.

● Be aware of your body language: Although people can’t see you, they can still tell if you are paying attention or not by your body language. So sit up straight, make eye contact with the webcam, and nod or shake your head in response as appropriate.

● Speak clearly and slowly: When speaking, remember that there may be a slight delay in audio transmission due to Internet lag time, so speak slightly slower than usual and enunciate clearly so that everyone can understand you easily.

The Bottom Line

One of the challenges of a remote deposition is getting everyone on the same page regarding technology. Besides, some people may feel more comfortable in person, making them less likely to open up or engage in the process.

Legal Media Experts can help you solve these challenges by providing experienced experienced court reporters, legal videographers and interpreters familiar with all the latest technologies and software platforms. We will work with you to ensure your remote deposition goes smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more!