Remote testimony has become a permanent part of modern litigation, offering convenience, flexibility, and accessibility that traditional in-person proceedings can’t always match. But while remote environments may feel more relaxed than a courtroom or conference room, clients must still treat these proceedings with the same seriousness and professionalism as any live appearance. The virtual setting introduces unique challenges, from technical disruptions to distractions at home, that can affect a witness’s confidence and credibility. Proper preparation ensures your clients show up polished, focused, and ready to deliver clear, reliable testimony.
This guide walks attorneys through the most effective strategies for preparing clients to testify remotely, equipping them to avoid pitfalls and perform at their best in a digital setting.
Prioritize Understanding the Technology
The first step is to ensure your client feels comfortable with the platform. Whether the testimony is conducted on Zoom, Webex, Teams, or a specialized legal platform, familiarity reduces anxiety and prevents technical issues that could undermine their credibility.
Encourage clients to:
- Download and test the platform in advance on the same device they will use during testimony.
- Practice joining a meeting, turning audio/video on and off, and using chat functions if permitted.
- Ensure their software is up to date to prevent glitches or forced restarts.
- Verify their username is professional, ideally using their full legal name.
A short rehearsal session helps clients feel more confident and reduces the risk of technical delays that can interrupt the flow of questioning.
Prepare a Professional Remote Environment
The environment in which a client testifies speaks volumes about their seriousness and credibility. Background distractions, poor lighting, or noisy surroundings can frustrate attorneys, distract court reporters, and give opposing counsel unnecessary leverage.
Coaching your client on environmental setup is essential:
- Choose a quiet, private room free from interruptions.
- Ensure good lighting facing them, not behind them.
- Use a neutral background; plain walls or tidy spaces work best.
- Set devices to Do Not Disturb, including phones, computers, and smart home devices.
- Ask that pets, family members, or coworkers do not enter the room.
This creates a professional setting that mirrors the seriousness of the proceedings and keeps attention exactly where it needs to be.
Establish Clear Audio and Video Expectations
Audio and video quality directly affect transcript accuracy and witness credibility. If a client’s voice cuts out or their camera flickers, the record suffers, and the witness may appear disengaged or evasive.
Before the proceeding, make sure clients:
- Use high-quality headphones or a microphone for clear audio.
- Avoid relying on built-in laptop microphones when possible.
- Test their camera angle at eye level to mimic in-person eye contact.
- Confirm their internet connection is strong, ideally using a wired connection.
- Have a backup device on hand in case of failure.
Professional-grade audio and video show respect for the process and support the accuracy of the official transcript.
Emphasize the Importance of Demeanor
Clients sometimes assume that because testimony is conducted remotely, their demeanor matters less. The opposite is true. Attorneys, arbitrators, and judges observe everything, from posture to facial expressions, and video makes certain habits even more noticeable.
Coaching clients on courtroom-appropriate behavior includes:
- Maintaining professional posture and staying centered in the frame.
- Avoiding exaggerated reactions, gestures, or visible frustration.
- Keeping their eyes on the camera, not the screen or notes.
- Pausing before answering to avoid talking over counsel or the court reporter.
Witness demeanor has power, and presenting calmly and confidently supports their credibility.
Review the Substance of Testimony Thoroughly
Just as with in-person depositions or hearings, preparing for the content of testimony is essential. Remote settings do not make questioning easier or more forgiving. Witnesses must still answer carefully, accurately, and honestly.
Effective preparation includes:
- Reviewing key facts, documents, timelines, and relevant case materials.
- Practicing responses to tough or repetitive questions.
- Emphasizing the importance of short, truthful answers.
- Reinforcing that “I don’t know,” “I don’t recall,” or “Can you clarify?” are valid responses.
- Ensuring the client understands not to guess or speculate.
Remote or not, testimony demands precision—and the right preparation prevents costly mistakes.
Set Clear Rules About Notes and Off-Camera Behavior
Remote settings create opportunities for improper witness coaching or the appearance of impropriety. Clients must understand the ethical boundaries of remote testimony.
Make sure clients know:
- They cannot text, message, or communicate off-camera during questioning.
- They may not have undisclosed notes unless the proceeding allows it and opposing counsel is informed.
- They should never look away frequently, as it may appear they are reading instructions.
- You may request breaks, but not during a question.
These rules protect both you and your client from accusations of improper conduct.
Practice With a Mock Remote Session
One of the most effective ways to prepare clients is to conduct a live mock session. This allows them to experience:
- The pacing of remote questioning
- How delays affect responses
- How to wait for objections
- How the court reporter interacts during the proceeding
- How their environment looks and sounds on camera
Mock sessions allow attorneys to correct issues before the real deposition or hearing and build the client’s confidence.
Coordinate With Your Court Reporting Partner
Court reporting firms like Renzi Legal Resources play a major role in the successful delivery of remote testimony. Their certified reporters, videographers, and technical support staff help prevent disruptions and ensure the record remains accurate.
Renzi can assist with:
- Pre-deposition technical checks
- Secure digital platforms with legal-grade encryption
- Real-time transcription for attorneys
- Professional legal videography for remote recordings
- Exhibit management and digital sharing tools
Partnering with an experienced provider removes much of the administrative and technical burden from attorneys and gives clients a smoother experience.
Conclusion: Preparation Is the Key to Successful Remote Testimony
Remote testimony is here to stay, and with it comes new expectations for professionalism, clarity, and technical readiness. A well-prepared client performs better, feels more confident, and contributes to a cleaner and more reliable record. By focusing on technology, environment, demeanor, substance, and ethics, attorneys can position their clients for successful testimony in any remote proceeding.
With expert support from Renzi Legal Resources, including court reporters, videographers, interpreters, and tech support, your remote depositions and hearings can run just as smoothly as traditional, in-person proceedings.
FAQ
Should clients dress formally for remote testimony?
Yes. Remote settings should be treated like a courtroom. Professional attire helps set the tone and supports credibility.
Can clients use notes during remote questioning?
Only if permitted by the rules or agreed upon by counsel. Notes must never be used secretly or off-camera.
What if a technical issue disrupts testimony?
Proceedings can pause until the issue is resolved. Professional reporting firms provide immediate tech support to minimize interruptions.