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Facilitator Guide

Reviewing Your Transcript

What’s covered

  • Mistakes to look for when reviewing a deposition transcript
  • How to improve your deposition technique
  • Taking note of your successes

Before the session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/discussions/reviewing-your-transcript/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

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    Course

    Reviewing Your Transcript

    The importance of reviewing your transcript after the deposition, things to look for, and how to learn from your mistakes.

  • Icon of a document

    Exercise

    PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

  • What kinds of issues in the Q&A should you look for when reviewing your transcript?
  • What are some mistakes lawyers make at depositions that weaken a transcript?
  • How would you avoid making these mistakes?
  • What are some common bad habits lawyers have in deposition questioning that show up in the deposition transcript?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

  • Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
  • General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
  • Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s Depositions topic.