How fast can you type?
Sometimes when things get heated in a legal proceeding, arguments ensue. At this point people start speaking very quickly. This is when your skill is really tested in order to be able to keep up with what’s being said. Having passed the RMR certification, I demonstrated that I was able to write with 95 percent accuracy speeds of 260 words per minute for five minutes. In addition, I participated in the National Court Reporters Association Speed Contest where I attained a 99.4% accuracy rate at speeds of up to 280 words per minute. I placed 7th overall.
What is realtime?
Realtime is the instantaneous transmission of the spoken word into English, which can be viewed on an iPad during a legal proceeding or as captions on a television screen. Realtime court reporters are able to assist hard-of-hearing students so that they can attend and be part of teaching in the classroom. Not every court reporter has the same skill level for realtime. In 2022, I placed 4th overall in the National Court Reporters Association Realtime Contest with 98% accuracy in two five-minute dictations of literary and testimony.
How fast can you get a transcript from a legal proceeding?
Very often in a legal proceeding there becomes a need for an expedited transcript. Sometimes attorneys know beforehand and the court reporter can be prepared for the fast transcript turnaround. Other times the need for an expedited transcript becomes apparent as the testimony is being given. I work with a scopist and a proofreader on every assignment I take, so if at the last minute a request is made for an expedited transcript, I am always prepared.