Are you a court reporter or someone that makes transcripts for a living? When it comes to creating a transcription for a deposition, it can help make or break a case. Court reporters need to make
sure that each and every detail is accurate.
Take a moment to check the spelling.
Court reporters work phonetically to record a deposition. Sometimes the first draft is not going to have ‘traditionally correct’ spelling. If you are working with a court reporter, you may want to give them a list of phrases or words that they might be coming across. That way, they can avoid spelling them incorrectly and get them down. Some court reporters may verify strangely spelled words, but it’s a good idea to give them a list beforehand so they know.
Be sure that you are enunciating when you are speaking.
Court reporters are able to type words at an incredible rate, even reaching speeds of 200 words a minute. But when things are going quickly in the deposition or court room, it can be tough to figure out what people are saying or keep pace. Creating accurate records means that you do your best to enunciate and not speak over others so that there is flow and what is transcribed is accurate. Speak clearly at all times so that the records are as clear as possible and the recorder does not have to stop things to clarify, ideally.
Try to use words and not strange sounds that aren’t words.
Sounds that are not clear should not be used. Avoid saying ‘uh-uh’ instead of no. Dictate ‘no’ and ‘yes’ clearly. Even if you don’t think that it makes a difference, consider that sounds really don’t have any shorthand notations. Ask for clarification as a reporter and as a legal side, advise your clients and any witnesses to speak clearly to avoid delays.
Be sure to work with an experienced reporter.
Hiring an experienced reporter is essential if you’re going to have a great set of records at the end. If you want accuracy, then you have to go with a reporter that follows the guidelines set by the board in their state. Reporters often need to be trained well and a good reporter has excellent training as well as the ability to transcribe in a variety of formats.
Reporters should identify everyone clearly.
You’re going to want to start off a legal deposition on the right foot. You’ve got to identify yourself as well as the other people present, which will include counsel, witness, and other people there. If depositions are to be used in court, they must be as accurate as possible and complete in nature.
Be sure as the reporter to state the name of the case. Identify yourself every time you speak on telephonic transcriptions to be clear. When referencing exhibits, state the name, the date, its number, and other features.
Focus.
Having a sense of clear focus will help you produce a flawless record that benefits everyone.