Your attorney (if you have one) will be able to answer all of your questions about what a deposition entails but I can tell you a little about a deposition since I’ve taken over 3,000 of them, so I might know a little about what a deposition is. The purpose of a deposition is to find out what a witness knows about issues of the case. The information helps the attorneys on both sides prepare for a trial of the lawsuit. All statements you make are under oath and transcribed into written form, what is known as a transcript that will later be made available as testimony during the trial.  A deposition begins with a court reporter taking your oath that you will tell the truth.  It is generally held in a conference room in the opposing attorney's office.  Attorneys will be present at the deposition.  Questions and your answers will be taken down by the court reporter.  Conservative attire is recommended. If the session is to be videotaped, the video may be played for the jury later. There is no judge present at a deposition.

• Listen carefully to questions.

• You can pause before answering to make sure you understand the question.

• When answering questions, you must answer with an audible response, as opposed to “uh-huh,” “huh-huh,” sounds or shakes or nods of the head.

• Wait until the question has been completely asked before you answer.     

• Speak slowly and clearly.

• Try not to speak on top of one another.  Court reporters have difficulty transcribing two or more people talking at once.

• If you need a break, you can request a break.

• Spell all proper, foreign or unusual words and acronyms. If time permits, provide the reporter with a word list before the deposition begins or after the deposition.

• It is always good to bring a bottle of water with you also.