Tips On How To Become Successful Court Reporters

By Ines Brennan


You have always been interested with the job function of court reporters. So, you have successfully undergone the required educational training and you are on your way to get a license. Now, you are just trying to get as much information as you can on how you can possibly become successful in the field.

Just like any profession there is, there is a definite need for you to know all that you need to know about this practice first. You cannot expect to be an excellent professional in the field when you do not even have a good idea of the things that you are supposed to do in the first place. So, learning what these are is critical.

Be professional. This means not only working in a very professional manner. This also means making sure that you will wear the right professional attire as well. It is highly necessary that you will don the right outfit. Then, you can trust that you will be able to reflect such professional look with the way you perform your job.

Learn about the art of taking notes. You need to be a good and keen observer and listener. You need to develop skills that will allow you to take note of the smallest details and have them included in your transcript. Remember, you will be paid on the word for word transcription you provide.

Have your emergency kit handy. You will never know when you are likely going to need them. For instance, carry around extra microphone, extra batteries, extra notes, tapes, pens, tissues and even ibuprofen in case some bouts of headache might occur while you are trying to take note of what is happening.

Always expect the hearings to be extended. Sometimes, you will be told that the whole event is going to last for just an hour long. Then, you will just find out later that you will actually have to stay around for an hour more or even two. So, always be sure to get your schedule cleared up so you are ready for anything.

When taking down notes and there is something that you were not able to catch, don't hesitate to interrupt whoever is speaking. Remember, it is your job to get everything written down into transcript. You wouldn't want to guess what was being said when you didn't hear it well. So, interrupt them and ask.

Make sure to correct the transcript afterward. You cannot just go ahead and pass it to a client without taking the time to pore things over and to check if there are misspells and mistakes you have made. This is especially true with details like names, addresses, and such other pertinent details.

Set proper expectations too. You need to inform your client if there are issues with you not being able to deliver the expects transcript on time. Informing them ahead of time and setting their expectations well will help you avoid disappointing them big time. Also, when you say you deliver it, deliver it spot on.

Get help when you need it. Successfully established court reporters didn't get to where they are now without the help that they were able to solicit around them. So, if there is any need for you to enlist the assistance of others around you, ask.




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