Preparing to Participate in a Virtual Trial or Focus Group
What to expect:
1. Check your technology:
All jurors must have strong internet connection that can support a video call with over 20 people. Clear audio and video is essential for participation in a session. The Focus Group Coordinator will check your connection in the pre-focus group meeting.
2. Setting up Virtual Backgrounds
- Sign in to the Zoom web portal and click Account Settings.
- Navigate to the Virtual Background option on the Meeting tab and verify that the setting is enabled.
Note: If the setting is disabled, click the Status toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose Turn On to verify the change.
3. Pre-focus group meeting:
All jurors will be required to do a mandatory pre-focus group meeting. In this meeting the focus group coordinator will check your audio and video. They will inform you on expected demeanor, what to wear, and go over all functions you will be expected to know for the event. You MUST join the pre-focus group meeting on the device you plan on using for the event.
For example, how to join, use of mute and camera, how to use virtual hand raising tool, and break out rooms. (Links to zoom tutorials at the bottom).
3. Day of the Focus Group:
The groups link will be distributed once all staff and attorneys are prepared to begin. You should be seated in a designated area prepared to begin 30 minutes before the event is scheduled to begin. Therefore, if your event is scheduled to begin at 11 am, you should be seated with your computer open ready to begin with a pen or pencil, paper, and something to drink by 10:30.
What NOT to do:
- DO NOT join on a cellphone or tablet. You will not be allowed to participate.
- Have others in room
- Be on phone – have outside conversations
- Leave the meeting – walk away – there will be breaks throughout the event. Please remain seated and focused on the presentation.
- Talk over others in the group – it is important to be as respectful as possible when others are speaking. In virtual groups, if more than one person tries to speak at the same time no one will be understood.