Court Reporting Tips For Giving A Good Deposition

Before you go into the deposition for your pending lawsuit, it is important you understand the role of the court reporter and how you can best help them do their job for your case. 

The court reporter is present at your deposition and in the courtroom in order to take down the legal record of your case. While you won't be speaking directly to the court reporter other than for some initial pleasantries, it is vital you understand how to speak and handle yourself in their presence to ensure the record of your case is accurate and paints you in a favorable light. To this end, here are some tips court reporters wish everyone in a deposition understood:

Speak Clearly and Loudly Enough to Be Heard by the Court Reporter

The court reporter's job is to take down each and every word spoken in the deposition by both the attorneys and those testifying. For this reason, it is important you speak clearly and loudly enough so the court reporter can hear you and accurately type the words you speak. If you mumble or speak in a low voice, it is harder for the court reporter to do their job, which may result in your being asked to repeat yourself or an incorrect record.

Don't Interrupt Others or Answer Questions Before the Attorney Is Finished Asking Their Questions

Since the court reporter is typing all of the words spoken by everyone in your deposition, it becomes very challenging for them if two people are speaking at the same time. For this reason, you should be mindful of this fact and take steps to avoid talking over other people or answering questions before the lawyer has completed asking them. The best way to do this is to not speak while someone else is speaking and make yourself give a thoughtful pause of a few seconds before you answer any questions asked of you. 

Always Give a Verbal Response and Avoid Using Industry Jargon or Slang

It is important to note that court reporters are only permitted to report spoken words. If an attorney asks you a yes or no question, then you need to answer it verbally instead of nodding or shaking your head. 

Finally, if you are testifying in a case that involves industry jargon and slang, try to avoid using these things to help the court reporter get the record down correctly.

For more information, contact a local court reporting service like Brentwood Court Reporting Services.  


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