BEFORE THE DEPO

You will receive an email for a test videoconference and TechCheck with an IT specialist or the Meeting Host to check all settings. Read this entire page to determine the best options open to you before the tech check.

Depo Tech Check

1. Bandwidth

Go to www.Speedtest.net and confirm upload speed is greater than 5 MB/second. More tips here.

More tips here.

 

2. Video

We check the webcam if working and preferably at eye level. Use dual monitors if possible for the best experience. More tips here

More tips here

 

3. Audio

We check your microphone is working. Webcam or external mic is preferred. More tips here.

4. Videoconference software

We walk through the basic options for the videoconference [Zoom, GoToMeeting, Webex]. Mainly how to mute and change the view to show all participants or focus on just one. More tips here.

DURING THE DEPO

  • Listen closely to the instructions given to you by the court reporter and attorneys.
  • Wait for each other to stop speaking.
  • Try to ask/answer questions at a little slower pace so that any participants who may have their devices muted can un-mute themselves in order to object before you move on to the next question.

Other deposition tips

  • Login to the deposition lobby 15 minutes before the deposition start to make sure you are set-up correctly.
  • Keep your computer and cellphone, hotspot device on the charger whenever possible to avoid unnecessary outages.
  • Remind you family members that you will need some privacy and quiet for the duration of the call.
  • Turn off all notifications and alerts on all devices [laptop, cell-phone, tablets, etc] to eliminate any distractions, such as email or other software..
  • Mute or put a sign on your doorbell or alarms to avoid any distracting noises.
  • Dress appropriately. This video may be played in court in your absence.
  • Be sure that the room is well lit. Find a simple background with a solid color if possible.
  • Don’t use any software application features that replace your background, to avoid additional distractions for other participants.
  • Sit up straight and check the picture boundaries
  • Don’t move around a lot or make odd facial expressions
  • Try not to look directly at the people on your screen, but instead into the camera lens, which helps develop a more natural interaction between participants.
  • Be aware of the proceedings [While you may be comfortable sitting at your office desk or in your home, what you do is being seen by all of the participants, the sound is being heard, and it is being recorded by a court reporter.]

Video [Advanced Tips]

  • Use a high quality webcam if possible.
  • Position the webcam at eye level and as close to the top of your laptop as possible.
  • Consider a spring loaded angle arm stand to position the webcam at the optimal distance so your shoulders and up are captured cleanly in the view.
  • Remember to select this video option in the videoconference software and consider using the webcam microphone also if you are using internet audio and not dialing in with your cellphone.

Audio [Advanced Tips]

Use a pair of good quality wired earbuds is preferred and less obtrusive than a full headset. The built in microphone should be sufficient, if you are not using an external webcam microphone.

In order of quality:

  1. Landline is generally best, but you’ll need a 3.5mm jack to plug in your cellphone earbuds. Some landline phones use a 2.5mm jack, so make sure you have the right equipment.
  2. Cellphone is next best for quality, but dependent on your cell connection quality where you are seated. Test this in advance. When you connect to your deposition, make sure you decline to connect using your computer audio, and dial-in to the meeting using the provided local or toll-free # provided in the email invitation. Remember to mute your computer profile on the screen and mute your dial-in profile when necessary.
  3. Computer audio. This is generally good quality but not the best. Test this option during your Tech Check and if acceptable, may be the simpler solution for most people. Still use earbuds for best clarity.

Bandwidth [Advanced Tips]

  • Use a direct wired connection from your router, if accessible. Routers are often set up in a closet somewhere in your house or sometimes close to your Cable TV modem, since most people use their TV provider for internet also. If it is relatively close, buy a longer ethernet cable and plug it in directly to your PC. Ethernet cables work great over longer distances 25-250 feet.
  • If your location is wired for ethernet, use that connection first. Disable your computer WIFI connection or make sure your wired connection is set as your primary.
  • Use WIFI as a second option, but should be OK if you cannot hard wire. Your Tech Check will confirm your bandwidth capability.
  • Use a cellular hotspot device, if you have one. In some areas, your cell signal may be strong enough to have decent video and audio and is a great backup if you internet connection is not reliable.
  • Lastly, use you cell phone to create a hotspot for internet access.

 

 

Exhibit Presentation Preparation

  • Attorney-Send Your Exhibits in Advance to Exhibit Presentation Tech only
  • Tech can number these for you to make it easier to identify specific exhibits during the deposition. Tech will also stamp all pages to make it easier for the record and to clarify which pages to attach to the transcript
  • Consider walking the Tech through the exhibits you may use, if they are complicated photos, architectural plans or spreadsheets.
  • If not, the Tech can still present any page from any exhibit within 1 second. The tech can also slowly scroll through documents if helpful. This helps the attorney better control the deposition and avoid lengthy document review from the witness.

 

 

 

 

Internet Signal Outage

  • If your Internet goes out, simply use the zoom app on your cellphone to get back into the deposition.
  • Or use your phone as a hotspot and keep the same zoom session open on your laptop.
  • Use your landline as a last resort for an audio only connection. Use the dial-in number provided in the invitation.