Y'all, I'm usually a big cheerleader and very positive but I gotta share something: You've got to put the work in. It's not enough to be able to talk fast. You MUST learn how to use Dragon and your CAT if you're using one (and Word or WP if you're using them).
It's not easy. It's not going to be fast. It probably isn't going to be that cheap either if you decide to take training classes. But in the end, if the goal is efficiency and realtime accuracy, understanding the synchronicity of these programs is paramount. Court reporting is NOT something for the faint of hear and it's not an easy side hustle, it's work - and it's important work. Our clients' lives and livelihoods depend on our ability to be accurate. We owe it to them to take all the steps necessary to become the best reporters we can be and that means using the programs and tools at our fingertips to ensure our work product is stellar.
Tough love is still love - love for the profession and love for the people who sacrifice so much to do this job.
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!
