Elite Reporting Agency Releases New Deposition Infographic
Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) June 08, 2017 -- Depositions are a standard part of any civil litigation. Set up as a question-and-answer session, this portion of a legal case provides both sides with essential testimony and other information. Elite Reporting Agency in Cincinnati, Ohio, has designed an infographic to help any deponent get through the process.
If you are involved in a trial, either as a plaintiff, defendant, or witness, you will likely have to give a deposition. By following best practices, you can answer every question calmly and thoroughly.
When it comes time for you to give your deposition, the opposing attorney will ask you a series of questions. While this usually happens in person, the deposition can be conducted remotely. It will be transcribed so your answers can be used in court. Your attorney will be present during your testimony to object to improper questions.
So, how do you give your best deposition? By following several best practices, you will be able to give clear and more accurate testimony.
Your personal presentation and behavior comes first, as how you present yourself is imperative. Be sure to dress professionally and keep your composure. According to research by Princeton University, a person may judge your trustworthiness in a tenth of a second. When a judge, jury, and opposing party are watching you, this is even more important. By staying calm and sitting up straight, the Court will sense confidence rather than nerves.
Sharp communication skills are also key to giving a successful deposition. Be sure to practice active listening and hear the entire question. The average person listens at about 25 percent efficiency, but you need to listen more closely than that when an attorney is asking you an important question.
Once you begin to answer the question, only give the necessary information and answer the question exactly as it is asked. For example, if the lawyer asks you a yes-or-no question, only answer with “yes” or “no.” Avoid adjectives and hyperbole. And, of course, be sure to answer clearly and honestly. Any dishonesty or refusal to answer can lead to consequences, including contempt of court and perjury.
While answering these questions, it is important to expect the unexpected. Lawyers may ask questions in a way that may cause you to accidentally give a misleading statement. These could include hypothetical situations and invitations to speculate, for example. With the right preparation, you will be ready for any question that a lawyer throws at you, enabling you to give a clear answer.
Brenda Keyser, President, RDR, CRR, CRC, CLR, CME, Elite Reporting Agency, LLC, http://elitereportingagency.com/, +1 877.415.6632, [email protected]
Share this article