Virtual depositions have become a routine part of litigation — but that doesn’t mean everyone shows up prepared. From barking dogs to cluttered backgrounds to muted microphones, small missteps can slow down proceedings, disrupt the record, and leave a poor impression on opposing counsel. A little preparation goes a long way.
Here’s what every participant should know before joining a virtual deposition.
Test Everything Before You Log On Don’t wait until the deposition starts to discover your camera isn’t working or your audio is cutting out. Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection at least 24 hours in advance. If possible, do a quick run-through on the same platform being used for the deposition.
Choose a Professional Setting Your environment says something about how seriously you’re taking the proceeding. Find a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background. Natural light in front of you — not behind you — makes a significant difference in how clearly you appear on screen.
Blur Your Background If Needed If a clean, neutral setting isn’t available, use your platform’s blur or virtual background feature. Keep it simple and distraction-free. A blurred background is always a better choice than giving opposing counsel a view of your kitchen, bedroom, or a cluttered home office.
Dress Neat and Professional Everyone on camera should look the part — attorneys, witnesses, and support staff alike. Business attire is the standard, at least from the waist up. What you wear signals how seriously you’re taking the proceeding, and that impression matters.
Mute When You’re Not Speaking Background noise is one of the most common disruptions in virtual depositions. If you’re not actively speaking, mute yourself. This includes attorneys who are observing, paralegals, and anyone else on the call who isn’t on the record at that moment. Even subtle ambient noise — HVAC systems, street traffic, keyboard clicks — can interfere with the audio recording and the accuracy of the transcript.
Look at the Camera, Not the Screen It sounds minor, but eye contact matters — and in a virtual setting, that means looking into your camera lens, not at the faces on your screen. This is especially important for witnesses. It conveys attentiveness and professionalism, and it makes a stronger impression if video is being used as a trial exhibit later.
Silence Your Devices Phone notifications, email alerts, and calendar reminders have a way of appearing at exactly the wrong moment. Before the deposition begins, silence every device in the room that isn’t being used for the proceeding.
Have a Backup Plan If your connection drops or technology fails mid-deposition, know who to contact immediately. A reliable court reporting agency will have technical support protocols in place to get the proceeding back on track with minimal disruption.
Virtual depositions work best when everyone comes prepared. If your firm needs experienced support for remote proceedings from scheduling through final transcript, Bee Reporting is here to help. Contact us to schedule your next deposition.
May 12, 2026