At Sarasota Court Reporters, we know that using an online legal deposition platform can feel less normal than gathering in person, but make no mistake, the stakes are just as high.
Whether you’re presenting testimony or defending a client, remote depositions are still part of the official record, which means preparation isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Why Remote Depositions Deserve Serious Prep
Remote depositions are legal proceedings conducted through video conferencing tools like Zoom, where participants connect from separate locations, often using virtual deposition solutions like what we offer at Sarasota Court Reporters.
Sounds simple enough, right?
Here’s the catch: Just because you’re not sitting in a formal conference room, that doesn’t mean you can treat this casually. In fact, it means you have to be even more careful, because you’re facing challenges that don’t exist in person.
Cluttered backgrounds, on-and-off audio, a blurry camera that just won’t work right, forgetting you can be seen and doing something embarrassing on camera—all of this and more can happen when dealing with virtual legal proceedings.
Here are other reasons why serious preparation matters:
- Everything is still under oath, which means your tone, focus, presentation, and behavior carry the same legal weight.
- Tech failures become procedural issues, as glitches can derail testimony, create misunderstandings, or lead to disputes.
- Remote settings can feel “low key” or “not serious,” which in turn can lead to a less polished or professional performance from any of the participants.
The bottom line? A virtual deposition isn’t a casual meeting with friends; it’s sworn testimony that deserves the same energy, focus, and respect as any courtroom exchange, even if all involved aren’t sharing the same room.
How to Prepare for a Remote Deposition
As with most things in the legal scene, success starts with setting the stage, and that means checking your tech and controlling your environment.
Not sure how to prepare for a remote deposition? Take a few minutes to run through this remote deposition checklist.
Check your internet
Use a wired connection or sit near your router to minimize the risk of connection problems because unstable Wi-Fi is a deposition killer.
Test your webcam and microphone
Do this well in advance so you can fix any issues with time to spare, because good lighting and clear audio make it much easier for your testimony to be clearly heard.
Pick a quiet, neutral space
No kids, no pets, and no piles of paper in the background. That might’ve been given a pass during the COVID lockdown, but the world has gotten used to virtual depositions now, so you have to be serious.
Have your documents available, organized, and ready
Just like you would in the courthouse, you want to know what you’re referencing and how to access it quickly.
Use a professional screen name and attire
In simple terms, dress like you would for court. Yes, that includes your pants, even if no one’s going to see them.
Know how to share exhibits and files
Practice this beforehand so you can do it effortlessly during the deposition. Make sure to title each file clearly to avoid any misunderstandings.
Log in early
Avoid the panic of having to troubleshoot just minutes before the deposition starts. Prepare well in advance, rehearse, and reap the rewards.
The best prep happens before the platform even launches, but if you’d rather leave that to the experts, you can count on us.
Mistakes to Avoid During Virtual Depositions
Whether you’re flying solo or you’re using our secure online legal deposition platform, there are mistakes that can cost you, no matter if it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned legal professional.
Let’s talk about what not to do during a remote witness testimony:
- Don’t treat it like a casual call. Depositions are serious business, even if you’re doing it from home.
- Avoid multitasking. Close all extra tabs beforehand, and make sure to not check your phone or glance away from the screen; it can look suspicious.
- Don’t forget backup plans: If your set-up fails, do you have a plan B? How about a plan C?
- Don’t wing the tech: Know how to mute/unmute, share screens, and communicate with your team. If that sounds too complicated or if you'd rather just focus on the deposition, you can always hire our professional remote deposition services.
- Don’t ignore posture and tone: Looking bored, annoyed, or distracted reflects poorly. Remember that you're on camera and people are paying attention to you.
These issues are more than just virtual legal proceedings quirks; they can potentially affect the outcome of your proceeding. That’s precisely why our online legal deposition platform includes guided tech support and best-practice coaching.
We’ve seen it all, and we help our clients avoid pitfalls before they become serious problems.
Get Ready with Sarasota Court Reporters
Remote depositions may feel less formal, but the consequences are very real. At Sarasota Court Reporters, we make sure you’re never unprepared, unheard, or unsupported with our state-of-the-art online legal deposition platform.
Need help with court reporting technology? We’ve got your back! Schedule your service online or call us at 941-364-3390. We’re ready when you are.
FAQ's
At minimum, you’ll need a computer with a camera and microphone, a quiet space, and a reliable internet connection. Don’t worry about the rest; we walk clients through the basics every day.
Home offices are totally fine—in fact, most remote depositions happen in personal or private spaces. What matters more is privacy, professionalism, and minimizing distractions.
Stay calm. Most platforms allow for quick reconnection. If you’re working with us, we’ll walk you through the process and keep record of the deposition while we get things sorted so you don’t miss anything.
That depends on your role. Witnesses should follow legal guidance carefully; attorneys can advise on what’s allowed. Our team ensures those best practices for online depositions are clearly communicated ahead of time, and as expert court reporters, we make sure to keep a secure and detailed record of what’s discussed.
