Month: July 2020

Due to COVID-19, there has been a big upswing in Zoom depositions.  Zoom depositions have been on the rise just due to economic reasons, but now with social distancing, they are being used much more commonly.  Greensboro Court Reporting has been using Zoom technology for years and would like to offer some pointers.

1.  Make sure you run a test with the reporting agency so you can work out any bugs prior to the deposition

2.  Send all exhibits you think you might use to the reporting agency 24 hours in advance so they have time to print the exhibits and get to the reporter covering the deposition

3.  Please be ready at least 15-20 minutes early.  This allows you to check your sound and video.  Our reporters are usually on 30 minutes early to troubleshoot anyone who is having any problems so the depo can still start on time.

4.  Use a headset if you have one available.

5.  Speak slowly and make sure you allow the witness to finish his/her answer.  Zoom is much like doing a teleconferenced deposition.  If you start to speak over the witness or another attorney, the reporter WILL miss someone talking.  This does take some cooperation between everyone but it gives you a much more accurate record.

6.  Please be aware that if you are using an external mic where it is placed.  If you are typing and the mic is close to you, we can hear you type and it’s very disruptive. 

7.  Please try to keep outside noises to a minimum.  This includes remembering when you are having your lawn mown.  Lately we have had that as an interruption and had to take breaks when the lawn mower went by the window of the attorney attending the Zoom depo from his house.

8.    If there are multiple attorneys attending, please be aware that when you object, you should go one at a time and it should go like this:  Smith, objection to form.  Ahern, I also object.  Johns, join.   Please say your last name and then the objection so the reporter does not have to guess who is objecting.  It just makes for a more accurate record and less interruptions from your reporter.

9.    At the conclusion of the deposition, please don’t just hang up, please allow the reporter to ask some questions as far as what you would like to order and whether the witness would like to read their depo or waive it.

To schedule your next Zoom depositions with Greensboro Court Reporting, please call us at 336-790-1819 or schedule online.