Tips for a Successful
Zoomgov Video Hearing
1. Mute your phone and mute all sounds from all other applications (email
notifications, chat messaging, etc.).
2. Dress appropriately for a court hearing.
3. Any document intended for filing (i.e., waivers, pleas, etc.) must be signed
and circulated before the hearing.
4. If using a mobile device, place the device in holder or on a flat surface to
keep the device stable throughout the hearing.
5. Avoid using battery power only – plug your device into a good power source.
6. If you get disconnected, as long as the hearing is still ongoing, you can reconnect to the
hearing using the same link you were initially provided.
7. Avoid using an open microphone and speakers (such as are built-into
laptops, or a webcam mic). Using a good quality headset or headphones
with a mic will help ensure you can be heard and can hear others with
maximum quality, while providing the court reporter with a clear sound in
order to produce a quality transcript.
8. Avoid noisy and echoing locations. Use of a headset will improve audio quality
when this is unavoidable.
9. Avoid distracting real or virtual backgrounds. Avoid sitting with a window
directly behind you as it darkens the video display.
10. Avoid poor camera positioning (if possible). Try to frame yourself so you
take up most the screen, and at eye level.
11. Avoid running any unnecessary applications besides Zoom, to conserve your
computer’s processing power and networking.
12. For home networks, if possible, avoid sharing your internet service with others
during the session.
13. Selecting “Gallery View” allows you to see all the participants in the hearing on your
screen.
14. When you are in a breakout room, use the “Chat” function at the bottom of
the screen to notify the court that you are ready to join the main group or
simply select “leave breakout room” to return to the main group.
Page | 1
15. Please do your best to refrain from talking over another speaker. Remember,
the hearing is being recorded or taken via a court reporter and the record
needs to be complete.
Before E very Court Session using Zoomgov
1. Connect your device to power.
2. Make sure your internet connection is good.
3. Test your video/camera on your device.
4. Test your audio.
Page | 2
