Voice writers record the spoken word, through the use of a steno mask with a voice silencer and analog tapes.  Voice writers not only repeat every word stated by the attorneys, witnesses, judges and other parties to a proceeding, but also verbally identify the speaker. They even punctuate the text, describe activities as they take place, and, in some cases, mark exhibits.

Now, however, new technologies are available to them.  Digital recording offers a clearer, better-defined sound track, making transcription easier and even more accurate.

Cutting-edge technology, in the form of speech recognition CAT systems, affords the voice writer the opportunity to have spoken words instantly turned into text on a laptop computer or computer work station.  As a result, the voice writer is now able
to produce real-time text feeds within the courtroom and download them in ASCII format for distribution immediately following a proceeding.  The equipment used by real-time voice writers can also interface with all litigation-support software.

In states where voice writers and stenographers are tested under identical conditions, comparisons show that voice writers are more than twice as likely to pass these tests. And training to become a voice writer not only takes much less time, but the successful completion of training is much more certain, assuming the reporter possesses the requisite educational background to begin with.

The higher passing rates experienced by voice writers doesn't in and of itself constitute proof that voice writers produce more accurate transcripts, but one might reasonably conclude that it is easier for them to do so.

Potential voice writers must study all of the elements of court reporting including English grammar skills, document production and word processing, legal, medical, and technical terminology, and proper legal procedure.  In addition, students of voice writing must learn to listen and speak at the same time, while also identifying speakers and describing peripheral activities in the courtroom or deposition room.

Speech recognition technology is allowing voice writers to pursue not only court reporting careers, in courtrooms and deposition suites, but also careers as closed captioners, CART reporters (Communication Access Real-time Translation) for hearing-impaired individuals and Internet text and/or caption providers.

The Court Reporter Job Guide contains a comprehensive overview of the voice writing field, including the following information.

	Background/History
	Comparison between Voice Writing and Machine Shorthand
	Voice-To-Text Technology
	Skills Required
	Training
	Voice Writing Equipment
	Litigation Support Software
	CAT Systems
	Speech Recognition Technology Recommendations

Get your own copy of the Court Reporter Job Guide today and see how this cutting edge technology could benefit you.

Discuss this article and other court reporting topics in the Court Reporter Forum.
 

The voice writing system was born in a Chicago courtroom, in the early nineteen forties.  Its father was a pen shorthand reporter, by the name of Horace Webb. Frustrated by double-tongued lawyers and glib witnesses who simply outran him, Horace thought, "There must be a faster, more accurate way to do this work." Although current voice writing systems use the latest technological innovations, Horace's very first experimental "steno mask" was made out of a cigar box.

Building your speed as a court reporter takes practice.  We offer several categories of digital dictation materials, which will allow you to progressively build your speed from 60 words per minute (wpm) to more than 220 wpm. Each category of dictation has numerous titles, so you will always have access to a wide variety of fresh new practice digital dictation materials, as your speed increases.
 

Upcoming newsletters will include articles on many important subjects that will help advance your court reporting career.  Following is just a sample of some of the articles you can look forward to receiving.
 

	Start getting paid for your court reporting skills, even before you become certified!
	The Best Place to Buy High-Quality Court Reporting Supplies at the Lowest Cost!
	Grow Your Court Reporter Business and Expand Your Income!
	Court Reporter Home Study Programs!
	How and where to find a Mentor!

If there are other subjects you would like me to cover, please let me know.

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