Remote depositions are one of the most convenient ways to depose out-of-town witnesses—but if you can’t hear them well, you and your court reporter will not be able to get an accurate and complete record of the proceeding. Since this can affect your case, you’ll want to make sure your audio is as crisp and clear as possible. Here are some of our best tips for remote video depositions in Phoenix, AZ:
- Avoid wireless whenever possible: Wireless technology is a boon in many regards, but it’s still significantly less reliable than wired internet. Make sure you plug your devices directly into your high-speed internet connection whenever possible. This will provide a faster connection with less lag than you might experience otherwise. Since depositions can be long proceedings, any lag will start adding up.
- Be sure to test your technology ahead of time: You know what they say about an ounce of prevention: it’s worth a pound of cure, especially when you’re dealing with technology. Always test your internet connection, devices, microphones, cameras, software and more to ensure everything is in good working order. Sometimes court reporters will schedule a test date before the deposition so all parties can test their technology before the actual proceeding begins. This can cut down on technical glitches and other issues that will affect your deposition.
- Pick a quiet room: Next, you’ll want to find an appropriate location for the deposition. Choose a quiet, well-lit room that has the appropriate power and internet hookups. Try to avoid rooms with refrigerators, other computers, people working and any devices that will make noise. (Remind your staff and clients to silence their phones and computers before the deposition starts.) Make sure you test your technology in the same room where you’ll be holding the remote deposition.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for IT help: If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask your IT person for help. Ask questions if you need to. Most IT professionals would rather answer questions and guide you through the process than have you potentially making mistakes and disrupting your connection. Again, make sure to ask these questions beforehand, so you have enough time to learn any new skills or fix any technological issues.
- Prepare for the unexpected: Finally, assume that something will go wrong. Although technology is increasingly reliable, there are plenty of issues that can crop up the day of the deposition. Have a backup plan—for example, be sure to have an IT person on call that day—as well as a sense of humor. With any luck, the time you put into technological preparation will take care of any issues.
For the most part, working with remote depositions is an easy process, especially if it’s not your first time. One of the best ways to ensure a good remote video deposition process in Phoenix, AZ is to work with skilled court reporters. Get in touch with Bartelt | Nix Reporting, LLC to learn more about working with our team.