Remote Zoom Witness Preparation Tips
If you’re planning on using remote Zoom for your next deposition, you probably have questions about preparing your witness to take a video deposition. There certainly are some things you’ll want to speak to your witness about before the deposition. Here are a few areas you may want to consider.
- Apparel: Your witness should be advised to wear comfortable but professional clothing. Avoid clothing that has a bold pattern, such as stripes. Ask your witness not to wear loud ties or large jewelry. For continuity, if your witness is wearing a jacket, ask him or her to keep the jacket on during the entire deposition. Suggest to your witness that they wear light and pastel colors with no patterns and provide a good color balance.
- Good Posture: A witness should look comfortable and natural. Ask your witness to sit up in the chair comfortably with both feet on the floor and lightly rest both hands on the table. You may want to ask your witness to avoid leaning back in a chair or crossing arms.
- Expressions: The main focus of the remote deposition will be on your witness’ face. Facial expressions, such as eye rolling or grimaces while a question is being asked, can be distracting. Suggest to your client that he or she try to maintain a pleasant and neutral expression while listening to questions and giving answers.
- Habit of Fidgeting: Your witness may be nervous and may unconsciously fidget. Instruct your witness that, even though a written transcript will not reflect fidgeting, it will be noticeable to viewers.
- Visual Focus: Instruct your witness to look at the webcam at all times. Looking straight into the camera is desirable. Your witness should not look up at the ceiling or down at the table while answering questions. If asked to read a document, instruct your witness to look down while reading, then look up at the webcam while answering. This will allow the viewer to clearly see and hear the witness while they answer.
- Turn Off Cell Phones: Before the deposition begins, ask all attendees to turn off their cell phones or wireless communication devices. Ringing cell phones can be distracting,
especially if it is the witness’ own cell phone that is ringing and needs to be silenced. Even the “silent” setting can cause interference with the audio of the deposition.
- Video Backgrounds: Place your witness in front of a blank wall or neutral backdrop. Do not place the witness in front of a window or large piece of wall art. Do not place the witness in front of an area where foot traffic will be occurring. Distractions such as these will detract from your witness’ professional appearance.
- Lighting Considerations: If the lighting in the room causes excessive shadows on your witness’ face, ask the witness to adjust their lighting.
especially if it is the witness’ own cell phone that is ringing and needs to be silenced. Even the “silent” setting can cause interference with the audio of the deposition.