After my "rebirthday" celebration, I didn't get back on the practice wagon - instead, I kind of practiced haphazardly - despite knowing I'd signed up for the RVR. But I started back on January 1, 2024 - in a different kind of practice group. It's called "The 90-Day Testing Challenge" - meaning we practice daily AND we have to take at least one "test" style take and grade it.
Now, since my testing is all for realtime certification, I'm taking tests and NOT editing them - grading straight from the printer as if I had taken the certification test. Today was the first pass - I'm shooting for Q/A only as the RVR-M is only testimony (at 200 wpm).
To be fair, though, today's take was with open microphone, which I know I'm much more proficient with. But my equipment is packed for me upcoming travel week so I practiced with what I had - open mic. It felt good - and faster than the test speed.
I can say, though, that I wish I had had the word list ahead of time because instead of five syllables (Mr. Robertson) I could have said my two syllable USUAL witness honorific of "cupcake" throughout the take. Would've saved a LOT of breathwork!
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!
