Zoom Deposition Tips – Round 3 – No Texting!

 

Some situations that would never arise in a “live” deposition can occur in the Zoom format, and if not anticipated, can lead to unfortunate results.

For example, texting. An individual – witness, lawyer, paralegal, observer – texting during a live deposition would be spotted immediately, and if the deposing witness, would be told by their attorney to cease at once. In the Zoom environment, however, it’s not always obvious that a witness is texting, because the witness’s computer camera might only capture their head and shoulders.

But since texting is no different than taking notes, said texts would have to be handed over to opposing counsel, and depending what the witness was typing, could be very bad news indeed.

Witnesses are often not aware that any communication during the actual deposition must be delivered to opposing counsel, just like any documents or paperwork brought in, and sometimes attorneys forget to mention it.

Prepare your witnesses for Zoom-specific sessions by telling them the best thing to do is leave their phone, turned off, in another room, and resist the 21^st century urge to share everything with their nears and dears every second of every hour. Let them know how distracting, if not downright damaging, texts could be to their case. Even if the witness says “But I just want to check in with my spouse.” Sounds innocent, and maybe is, but who knows what opposing counsel might make of it?

Zoom Deposition Tips – Round 2

 

In our ongoing effort to maximize the effectiveness of a Zoom deposition, here are 2 more tips for your witnesses.

1. Be Your Own Cinematographer

Zoom depositions are visual statements as well as verbal ones, but instead of having a competent videographer assisting to make sure everything looks right, you, the witness, must do that yourself. So make sure that what’s behind you when you sit in front of your computer, laptop or tablet isn’t distracting. A blank wall is great if possible. If not, then something not too “interesting” or eye-catching. Plainer is better.

2. Check Your Lighting and Angles

Make sure that there is sufficient light to convey a clear image of you. Generally, head and shoulders are all that need to be seen, but “seen” is the key word. Too often, room lighting is dim and needs to be added to in some way. Be sure that your computer/laptop/tablet camera captures your whole face properly lit, not mostly your chin or forehead. This will take some advance preparation. Don’t leave your set-up to the last minute. Practice ahead of time, preferably the day before, so you can make whatever adjustments might be required.

More tips to come next month!

Zoom Deposition Tips – Round 1

 

With more depositions being held via Zoom, it’s important to remind your client of some tips that will support successful testimony in this format.

1. We’ve all become used to the casual nature of Zoom meetings in our kitchens and living rooms. However, when it comes to a deposition, just because it’s Zoom, doesn’t mean you can testify in your sweats. It’s important to dress professionally or conservatively, at least from the waist up. So that means no bare arms for men or women, no vivid patterns that would distract from the substance of the testimony, and that all clothing be clean and pressed.

2. We’ve all seen the bloopers online from people on Zoom meetings who forgot to close the kitchen/living room/bedroom door, allowing errant children/pets to wander in. Or a spouse who’d forgotten there was a meeting going on and appeared in his/her PJs yelling a reminder of some chore or task. Tell your client to alert household members to the meeting, and close the door. Perhaps with a sign on it “Meeting in Session.” Bloopers are funny online, not so much when they disrupt the flow of a deposition.

More tips to come next month, stay tuned!

In the meantime, best wishes for Happy Holidays.