Oops! A court reporter is a person whose occupation is to transcribe spoken or recorded speech into written form, using shorthand, machine shorthand or voice writing equipment to produce official transcripts of court hearings, depositions and other official proceedings.

The stenotype keyboard has far fewer keys than a conventional alphanumeric keyboard. Multiple keys are pressed simultaneously to spell out whole syllables, words, and phrases with a single hand motion. This system makes real-time transcription practical for court reporting and live closed captioning. Because the keyboard does not contain all the letters of the English alphabet, letter combinations are substituted for the missing letters.

The minimum speed required by the NCRA to become a court reporter is 225 words per minute, and most associations require a 98 percent accuracy rate on testing.

A standard stenotype machine has just 22 keys that are used to key out coded numbers, phrases, words, and sounds, which means that court reporters can ensure that all activity in the courtroom, down to a witness’s sobs, can be accurately memorialized. Although a key set of phrases, words, numbers, and sounds are used across the board, it is also common for stenographers to develop their own dictionaries for their work, which includes coded letter combinations that stand for common phrases.

The National Speed Contest test testimony speed at 280 words per minute!

Court reporters and closed captioners are responsible for recording speech using a shorthand code on a steno machine. They create exact transcriptions of the narration in court hearings, depositions, other official proceedings and media content. The most important traits for court reporting/closed captioners is an ability to concentrate on the spoken word, a strong work ethic, and an interest in technology. Court reporters and closed captioners maintain a level of 95% accuracy at 225 words per minute.

A captioner (CART provider) uses a court reporting stenography machine, a computer and software to display everything that is being said, word for word.  The text is displayed on a computer, television or projection screen.