We're in the moment. We write what we hear. What if what you thought you heard in the moment sounds different in editing?
I was recently editing a file and put in "microtoxin" as a global b/c that's what the reporter wrote. But as I continued along in the file - with the clarity of the videographer's audio - I determined that "mycotoxin" might be the appropriate word.
Using not just the phonetics but the other evidence - the topic/subject matter, the words around it (and, finally, close to 100 pages in, a document) - I was able to determine that "mycotoxin" was correct.
This is one of the reasons I love what I do. Using our brains to make a pretty transcript is more than just writing what it sounds like. It's digging into the topic and researching other words that could be more appropriate.
As I posted the other day on my Facebook timeline, "It's never crowded along the extra mile." Do the little extra that sets you apart.
You all know I love giving back... and I've been speaking at the local law school for many years now, sharing with the students who will be future litigators how they can work WITH court reporters to create a truly excellent record.
I love doing this - and if you have the chance, please consider doing it in your area. The "baby" lawyers appreciated it and the next generation of court reporters will too!
We all love rituals - girls nights, massages, regular workouts... but what about our working rituals?
Do you have any that ease you into your productivity? Perhaps alleviate any anxiety?
Our job as a stenographer (or captioners) is filled with stressors and if we can develop rituals for ourselves to help limit those stresses, think how healthy, happy, and productive we can become?!
I love this profession... and I love sharing it. Wherever you are, in whatever period in your career you find yourself, be an amazing advocate! Introduce people to this incredible opportunity for someone who loves English, the law, computers, learning... Be the little pebble that creates the ripple in the pond!
