In a blur, court reporters are able to record conversations full of complex language. From long references and technical speak to powerful delivery, it takes considerable skill to keep each word recorded accurately. To help them, key skills and techniques have been developed we can all learn some productivity skills from.
Shorthand
Shorthand helps you record more information in less time and with less writing. It can include abbreviations, acronyms, or letters or symbols. Some easy examples are W/ (with), & (and), and USA (United States of America).
Its common in many industries to have their own industry specific jargon. While its discouraged to use for formal writing, it can help us be more productive and convey ideas easier when working in your area of expertise. Speaking in jargon is just speaking in shorthand. Shorthand can also help us record all the information in meetings, just make sure you know which symbols and acronyms you used!
Aided transcriptions
Transcriptions provide a word for word record of an event or conversation. These records can be massively helpful, but take a lot of time and effort to produce. New tools now make this task much easier.
Computer aided transcription lets the computer do the writing while you simply narrate along your thoughts. With the rapid pace of technology improvements many computers and devices all have the capability to transcribe for you. Many word processors have this ability built in. This means that you can keep a running transcription during a meeting, dictate a first draft of a memo or email, and make note taking for classes much easier.
Pomodoro technique
Pomodoro is the practice of a repeated small work sprint followed by a short productive break. The University of Pittsburgh provides a great explanation. One example might be a 30 minute deep work session on a project document. Then a 5 minute break to check your email, then return to the document. While a court reporter might use the technique for editing a transcription, we can use the same productivity technique all throughout the day.
