With the Delta variant on the rise, many legal teams continue to conduct either completely virtual or hybrid depositions. Both require attendees to utilize Zoom in some way. Technology isn’t always easy, which is why we shared some tips on how to look your best on Zoom. Yet something just as important for a deposition is how you sound during the Zoom deposition.
The ability to be heard during a deposition is absolutely vital to having a smooth deposition. Having your audio going in and out results in the inability to hear clearly whoever is speaking and can result in delays, as the court reporter will have to stop and ask attendees to repeat themselves. To avoid this, here are some tips to take into consideration for your next virtual or hybrid deposition.
1. Test Your Equipment Before You Start
As you prepare for your deposition, be sure to have all attendees (including the deponent) test their microphone and audio settings in Zoom. If you’re having difficulty figuring out how to do this, click here to watch our free masterclass, which walks you through how to do just that.
2. Be Mindful of Your Environment
Background noise can be a major problem during a deposition. Before the deposition starts, think about the room you’re in; if you’re working from home, select a quiet, less noisy part of your house to minimize background noise.
Sometimes we can’t help but be in a setting where there is background noise. If this is the case for you, consider muting your microphone when you aren’t speaking, and then unmuting it when you need to say something. That way, the background noise is not constant throughout the entire deposition.
3. Check Your Internet Connection
You can’t have good audio without having a stable internet connection. Spotty internet can make your audio lag, cut out, and more. Make sure you are connected to a strong internet connection before joining the Zoom. If your internet is acting up and you’re having audio issues because of it, you can always connect to the deposition by using a phone number to dial in. By doing so, others can easily hear you during the deposition and you won’t have to rely on faulty internet.
4. Mute Other Computer Notifications
Whether it’s your email, Slack or some other software on your computer, be sure to mute all notifications, as it can be distracting for others to hear a “DING! DING! DING!” consistently throughout the deposition. You can go into your settings for these types of programs and choose to mute them.
5. Mic Check
Luckily, most laptops/desktops have built-in microphones that have solid sound quality; yet sometimes these microphones can produce echoes and other issues with the audio. If you’re experiencing this, we recommend using headphones that have a built-in microphone or purchasing a stand-alone microphone that connects to your computer. In doing so, you can produce crisp, quality audio during your deposition.
These are just some tips that can be beneficial for your next virtual or hybrid deposition. For more tips on conducting virtual depositions, click here to access our free masterclass, Utilizing Zoom for Your Next Virtual Deposition. Along with covering audio and video settings, the masterclass shares tips on preparing exhibits and navigating the Zoom platform from start to finish. If you’re ready to schedule a court reporter for your next virtual or hybrid deposition, click here.