If you’re deposed — questioned under oath outside of court — a few rules matter more than any clever strategy:

  • Dress neatly and conservatively, as if you were in court.
  • Review your own records beforehand so relevant dates and facts are fresh.
  • Answer clearly and audibly. If you don’t understand a question, ask for it to be repeated.
  • Never guess. If you don’t know, say so. If you don’t remember, say that.
  • Answer only what’s asked — don’t volunteer extra information or try to guess why a question is being asked.
  • Stay calm and courteous, even if a question feels like a trap. Getting frustrated rarely helps you.
  • Always tell the truth — deposition testimony is sworn testimony, with the same perjury consequences as trial.