Most Important Skills Court Reporters Must Have

byAlma Abell

If you’re going to a court hearing you’ll see a court reporter in DC there and court reporters are responsible for recording the events that take place at the hearing. Court reporters obtain training for this field by attending stenography school and once they do this, they can apply for court reporting jobs through the courts in their counties. Here are some skills that court reporters must have.

Strong Listening Skills

Court reporters must have strong listening skills because as the court hearing happens, the court reporter in DC needs to be able to quickly record the details without distraction and while making minimum mistakes. The reporter needs to listen carefully during the hearing and be able to understand what is being said.

Fast Typing Ability

Court reporters must also be able to type court hearing details in a quick way because the hearing goes quickly and the reporter must be able to keep up with the fast pace of the hearing. Most courts require court reporters to be able to type at least 40 words per minute. If you’re not skilled in fast typing it would be a good idea to take typing classes.

Knowledge of Second Language

Since today’s court system is filled with people who speak a language other than English, it’s important that court reporters understand a second language in order to succeed at court hearings where either the defendant or plaintiff speaks a second language. This language could be Spanish, French or Arabic. Some second languages are more necessary in certain cities than others based on the type of immigrants living in a certain area.

Strong Communication Skills

Court reporters not only have to accurately type and record what happens during a court hearing but they must also be able to communicate well. This is because court reporters need to sometimes ask questions for clarity about certain things that are said during the hearing and they may have to read over the data after the hearing for lawyers.

The court reporter spends much of his day recording and transcribing data from court hearings and they’ll need the above mentioned skills in order to succeed in this field. You should also buy some instructional books on proper court reporting skills so that you can do well with this job. Continuing education is also important for court reporters because it helps them stay abreast of the latest trends.

When you obtain the training and practice you need, you’ll be able to do your best.

If you want to learn more about what a court reporter in DC does, you can contact Gore Brothers at http://www.gorebrothers.com or at 800-734-5292.