November 21, 2019
8 Tips to Secure a Successful Video Deposition
By: Colleen Jilio-Ryan | Posted in: Remote Deposition
In order to have a successful video deposition, there are several things you must do.
Following these simple steps will ensure that your video deposition is of the highest quality and as accurate as possible.
Control Your Emotions
It’s important that the person being deposed maintains their composure and refrains from emotional outbursts. Emotions can distract others from the importance of the situation, so it’s important to maintain control.
Stay in One Place
During the deposition, stay in one place. Moving around can cause distractions and may increase the amount of background noise. Once you are in position, remain there until your part of the deposition is over.
Minimize Your Facial Expressions
Minimize your facial expressions as much as possible. It can be difficult for the transcriptionist to accurately describe what you are trying to relay through your body language.
Eliminate Distractions
Eliminate distractions by turning off all cellphones and keeping all background noise to a minimum. Instruct everyone present to be as quiet as possible during the recording of the video.
Make Sure Only One Person Speaks at a Time
During the recording of the video deposition, make sure that only one person speaks at a time. This ensures accuracy and makes it easy for the transcriptionist. Talking over someone is not only distracting, but it is also disrespectful and extremely unprofessional.
Bring Your Business Cards
Bring business cards to hand out to the attorneys and paralegals who are present. This will provide them with the information they need if they want to contact you in the future.
Make Sure Everyone’s Needs Are Met
Make sure that everyone is comfortable and their needs are met. Some people may want water on hand. If you have someone who needs an interpreter, make sure you have one present.
Record All Exhibits Correctly
It’s also important that all exhibits be properly cataloged and recorded as part of the deposition. An exhibit is just as important as a person’s verbal testimony and they must be treated as such.
Following these steps will ensure that your deposition goes as smoothly as possible. During a videotaped deposition, it is extremely important that you be as professional as possible at all times.
Colleen Jilio-Ryan is the Owner of Jilio-Ryan, a Tustin based premiere law consulting firm. The firm along with its certified court reporters is dedicated to providing the highest quality deposition and litigation services to attorneys, insurance companies, and corporations. With her sincere efforts, Colleen is committed to meeting the highest standards of the legal industry, and is an industry leader when it comes to on-time court reporting and deposition scheduling.