Be early and set up and ready to go well before others arrive at the location. This will give you time to appropriately introduce yourself with a strong handshake and smile.  At this point, introductions may be impacted by social distancing but standing at the end of the table with a warm smile even under a mask can go a long way.  This goes for remote depositions as well.  Be on the Virtual Zoom meeting early to greet participants as they enter the Zoom room.  Smile, be warm and friendly and ready to go so you can focus on the interaction with the participants.

Dress as if you are an attorney appearing at the deposition.  This rule should also be followed for remote depositions.  After all, your personal grooming and attire are the first thing noticed.  Pay attention to your equipment and how it presents as well.  Professional black bags work best.  Avoid wild colors and unprofessional stickers and embellishments.

If this is a Zoom deposition, you need to have your camera on. This is not the time you should use a picture or avatar.  You also need to make sure the background of your Zoom shot is appropriate.  Avoid poor lighting, bad angles, a messy room, and beds or bathrooms as backdrops.  Pay attention to what the client is seeing not only in your appearance but the scene behind you.

When you go into the deposition room, be it a physical location or Zoom room, it is game time.  It is time for you to be your best self: happy and positive!  Even if you had a hard morning, have a list of things you could rightfully complain about, keep them to yourself, and focus on the client and the deposition.

You need to be fully engaged and not distracted.  Really focus your attention on the proceeding.  Keep the exhibits organized and be ready with the next exhibit number.  Pay attention to the room and what is going on.  I advise that you keep your mobile device off the table and only check your messages on breaks to avoid any distractions.

This can really be a gamechanger.  When you need clarification or something repeated, ask in a confident manner.  When you are asked for readback, do not rush, but review the area you need to read back and then calmly and loudly read it back.  When you present as a confident professional, you are sending the message to everyone in the room that you will accurately and succinctly report the proceeding and, in the end, provide an exceptional transcript.