In a previous blog, I outlined some steps to take in order to optimize you web-based video conference (Click here for previous article). Since then, I thought it best to add a few more so all your bases are covered.
6.) Make sure your laptop has anti-virus software. The other day while conducting a test, I saw a little notification pop up reminding me to check my anti-virus software. This isn’t like ignoring an oil change or an overdue library book. No, this is serious! Without the proper anti-virus protection, well, in a word – VIRUSES! Yeah, probably not a good idea to conduct a deposition with privileged information being exchanged when the possibility of cyber hackers exist.
7.) Use external speakers. Laptops come in all shapes and sizes and so do the specifications. One might have a superior camera but limited gain when it comes to volume. Pick up a set of desktop speakers in case you have a soft-spoken speaker or in case the acoustics of the room interfere with the sound.
8.) Disable face-tracking on your webcam. The face tracking does what the title implies, tracks your face. That means every time you move, it will follow your face wherever it goes. So if you’re conducting a deposition and you keep looking down at your notes, the camera will follow your face as you look down. This can make the other participant frustrated and even dizzy with all the movement.
9.) Check your Power Save settings. In order to save power consumption and avoid screen burnout, most computers will either go dark or go into Screen Saver mode. This is common when there is no activity for a predetermined time. Unfortunately, only having a browser window open doesn’t count as activity. In order to avoid having your screen go dark or show pictures of your family vacation while conducting a deposition, consult with your IT professional about changing your Power Save settings during your session.
About the Author: Mike Tisa is the Director of Litigation Technology for Aptus Court Reporting. He is a Certified Legal Video Specialist and a Trial Presentation Professional through the National Court Reporters Association. Mike has been in the legal field since 2007 and is continuously researching advancements in the legal technology industry. For more on Mike’s background, visit his LinkedIn profile. http://www.linkedin.com/in/miketisa/
Jenna Schamber is our Administrative Guru handling reception duties, marketing, calendar coordination, while also supporting the ever-important role of lobby music DJ. Her previous work experience includes seven years as a legal assistant with Hughes & Nunn, receptionist at Kempen & Company in Modesto, CA, and an Events & Entertainment Contributor to Maui Time Weekly. She enjoys cooking, craft beer tasting (especially sours and saisons!), traveling, and collecting vinyl. During the week you might catch her attending live music shows and DJ sets or Netflix binge watching.
Jaclyn Swe hails from L.A. where she was born and raised, and heads back to see her family as much as she can. She joins Aptus as a Business Development Executive. Her recent experience involves working at Robert Half Legal, starting as an Account Executive and then, being promoted to Division Director. Prior to that, she practiced as an attorney in Los Angeles and San Diego. After work hours you might find her playing sports, reading, knitting or hanging out at happy hour.
Romina Hussein joins our newly-expanded San Francisco office as our Business Development Executive helping the Aptus name grow in the San Francisco and Northern California market. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Romina is a UC Berkeley graduate and has previously worked as a paralegal post-college for four years. She comes from a big family, the third of four children, and embraces having her immediate family close by. Growing up in Oakland, she is a lover of Oakland As baseball and you can find her with her family and friends during baseball season tailgating and enjoying the games.
For our Southern California offices, UCLA alumni Jason C. Ferber has joined the team traveling between our San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles offices as the Director of Business Development. For 10 years, he worked as Managing Partner at Whitmont Legal Technologies and also previously worked as Regional Sales Manager at Veritext Deposition Services. He has been in friendly competition and has known Derek for 15 years and now the stars have aligned for him to join the Aptus team. He and his wife Laura brought in 10 years of friendship to their now 14 years of marriage and together they have three sons: Ethan, Jackson and Owen. His hobbies include spending time with his family whether it is camping in their vintage VW bus or going on a family fishing trip.
Mike Tisa is the most recent to join the San Diego office. He is the Director of Litigation Technology and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of video operations including video production, in addition to helping Aptus stay at the forefront of digital technology. He is heavily involved in the firm’s website and social media campaigns to gain better exposure online and to release relevant information to clients. And as a CLVS (Certified Legal Video Specialist) he will continue to be in the field covering video depositions for our clients. Mike’s previous positions have been Litigation Technology Manager for Shelburne Sherr Court Reporters in San Diego and four years at one of the largest independently owned court reporting firms in the country, PohlmanUSA Court Reporting in St. Louis, MO. He is the oldest of five brothers, one of whom works as a videographer in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. He is a die hard Cardinals baseball fan, enjoys movies, and all things Beach Boys-related.
