How to Stay Calm When a Tech Issue Happens During a Remote Deposition

When tech issues arise, it’s best to remain calm.

Remote depositions are convenient, efficient, and widely used, but technology isn’t perfect. Audio delays, frozen screens, or connection drops can happen at any time.

The key is not panic. The key is professionalism.

Here’s how to stay calm and handle tech issues smoothly if they arise during a remote deposition.

1) Pause and breathe before reacting

When something goes wrong, it’s easy to rush or speak over others. Take one breath, pause, and allow the moment to settle.

Even a few seconds of calm prevents confusion and keeps the record cleaner.

2) State the issue clearly (without frustration)

Instead of reacting emotionally, name the issue simply:

• “I’m experiencing audio delay.”

• “Your screen froze for a moment.”

• “I lost the last few words, can you repeat that?”

Clear language helps everyone respond quickly.

3) Don’t assume everyone can hear you

Sometimes one participant has a problem and others don’t realize it. If something feels off, say it out loud so it’s on the record and can be addressed.

4) Keep your voice steady and slow

When people get stressed, they speed up. Slower speech helps:

• reduce overlapping talk

• improve audio clarity

• support an accurate record

Calm pacing is one of the best tools you have.

5) Use simple fixes first

Most issues have quick solutions:

• confirm you’re not muted

• turn camera off briefly to improve audio

• close extra tabs/programs

• reconnect if needed

• go off record if issues persist and back on record when resolved

A calm troubleshooting approach keeps the proceeding moving.

6) Let one person troubleshoot at a time

Tech issues get worse when multiple people talk at once. It helps when participants allow one speaker to address the issue while others pause.

This reduces confusion and supports the record.

7) Remember: tech issues are normal

The most professional thing you can do is treat the issue like a normal part of remote proceedings not a crisis.

A calm approach protects:

• the quality of the record

• the tone of the proceeding

• everyone’s time

Remote depositions don’t require perfection , they require clarity.
When tech issues happen, staying calm and communicating clearly keeps the proceeding professional and the record strong.