Court Reporting 225 Wpm Official Reportertheory Voice Writing Stenographer Stenography
Court Reporting is a fascinating career with very lucrative benefits. Whether you are choosing a Voice Writing program, often referred to as a mask reporter, or a Stenographer program, both are very demanding and require extreme practice, motivation, determination and the willingness to learn and take constructive criticism while learning.As a court reporting instructor I believe that some students do not have the full concept of what a reporter does and how long it can take a reporter to excel and develop his or her own ability to type 225 words per minute, or speak at 250 words per minute, in voice writing. This may not be easy. There aren't any shortcuts or magic ingredients. You will not find a unique machine that can help you write faster in half the time. Basically, this isn't a skill that will just click one day. This is a skill that requires at least four hours of daily practice.Now, for those of you who are thinking about entering a court reporting school, here are a few questions that you might want to consider before taking out that student loan or tapping into your savings account.First, is court reporting something that you want to invest your time and money in? As mentioned, this is a career that involves a lot of practice and dedication. It will involve a lot of reading and learning your first semester. This is the first semester called Theory. Theory is the first stage where you will learn your alphabet keys and forming of words and sentences in shorthand. For voice writers this is the time you learn how to formulate your language correctly, while enunciating efficiently. In a nutshell this is the easy part.Second, do you have time to spend at least four hours a day practicing? If your answer is no, then you may want to wait a while, until you can dedicate time for practicing.Third, can you type? Typing is involved in this profession; there's no way around it. Transcribing of your speed tests only last an hour or an hour and fifteen minutes; therefore, the faster you type the quicker you can finish transcribing your tests. If you are over the time limit, your tests will not count.
Fourth, there is a certain type of aptitude that one must have in this profession. If you have an interest in legal or medical terminology, current events, and even politics you'll love this profession. Court Reporters hear many cases and may learn something different every day. Most court reporters are very intellectual with regards to political and current events. So if you want to get a few steps ahead, start by reading the Washington Journal or New York Times.Fifth, are you able to sit for long periods of time? Court reporters may be required to sit up to eight hours a day. If sitting for long periods of time is a concern for you, you may want to consider becoming a freelance reporter and not an official reporter. You may also prefer becoming a part-time captioner or landing at the congressional hearings, where you will be rotating frequently with other reporters.Sixth, have you ever thought about your attire? Court reporters are usually dressed very business casual and somewhat conservative. Very rarely will you see a flashy or provocative court reporter. Please consider your attire when entering this profession.Seventh, are you a fast learner? Some students are late bloomers, which is really not a major problem in this field as long as you have accepted the fact that it may take you a few years longer to finish school and thoroughly grasp the profession.Eighth, are you bored quickly? Court reporters may not always have an exciting deposition or trial. That is, what is exciting and interesting for someone else may not be exciting for you. You may have to report a four day trial on building and welding...not a first pick for most; however, you will learn a few things during the trial that will last a lifetime. There are some court reporters who love to report on construction, architectural design, building and trades. Each court reporter will have a different area of interest. But remember, as a court reporter you must stay alert and never display a lack of disinterest.Ninth, do you love English? You will learn a new word just about every day. You will also learn new aspects of the legal profession that you didn't even know exist. There are also a few court reporters that have also become attorneys. You never know where this profession will take you.Finally, are you self-motivated? This is a skill that is based on how well and consistently you practice. You will receive help and great advice along the way. But no one can stroke those keys for you at 225 words per minute, or talk efficiently at 250 words per minute…that is entirely up to you.
As an instructor, I give my students the hard core fact sheet of court reporting. I do not mislead them or cater to their every need. Because in the real world no one else will, it's either sink or swim.
