An AI summary claims court reporters quit because the job is unbearable. The reality is the opposite. Most reporters stay for decades—often an entire working lifetime—because the profession rewards mastery, autonomy, and adaptability. Court reporting is demanding, yes, but for those built for it, it becomes a superpower, not a burnout sentence.
Tag Archives: mental-health
The Illusion of Unity – When “Movement” Becomes Message Control
The rise of “STENO United” and the Fearless Stenographers Conference reflects a growing trend in our field: advocacy transformed into spectacle. Inspiration becomes insulation when branding replaces transparency, and unity becomes a tool for silencing dissent. Our profession doesn’t need one movement claiming moral authority—it needs distributed, ethical leadership grounded in accountability, not curated mythology.
Truth on Trial – How Narcissists Weaponize Silence in Court Reporting
There’s a chilling moment that many truth-tellers eventually face: the instant they stop playing along with a narcissist’s carefully curated façade and speak honestly. What happens next is rarely proportional. It’s explosive. Vindictive. Calculated. And in the court reporting world, it can be professionally and personally devastating. “The times I felt the most unsafe wereContinue reading “Truth on Trial – How Narcissists Weaponize Silence in Court Reporting”
Saving the Profession Isn’t a Runway Walk, It’s a Battlefield
Saving stenography isn’t a runway walk—it’s a battlefield. Agencies have leveraged legislation to gain ground, and courts now put their names on forms once reserved for reporters. Power circles inside our own profession deflect responsibility, as seen in the Notary Loophole fallout. The truth is simple: reporters must reclaim leadership, defend independence, and fight for the integrity of the record.
Why Court Reporting Students Fail—And How to Succeed Anyway
Napoleon Hill warned that most people fail because they listen to friends, family, and neighbors. For court reporting students, that lesson is critical. Outsiders may doubt your path, but their ignorance is not your destiny. Tune out negativity, trust the voices of mentors and professionals, and believe in your own ability to reach 225 wpm. Success belongs to those who refuse to quit.
Court Reporting – The Delta Force of Professions
Court reporting school has a dropout rate as high as Delta Force selection—only 5 to 10% make it through. We’re not just typists; we’re elite professionals with real-time mental endurance and precision under pressure. Like Tier One operators, we train for years to master a high-stakes craft. We are the Responsible Charge of the official record—and no machine can replace that.
Crushing it with Carol!
Carol Reed Naughton’s victory in the NCRA VP race is more than a win—it’s a rejection of toxic leadership. In a profession where integrity is often tested, the community chose accountability over ambition, process over performance. This result proves that even in environments where manipulation can thrive, truth still resonates. For every steno who values ethics over ego—this moment is yours.
Should Reporters Be Rallying Behind Shaunise Day?
Shaunise Day has positioned herself as a voice within the court reporting profession—despite never completing certification or working as a licensed reporter. While she promotes events and media under the banner of advocacy, many professionals question her credibility and qualifications. In a field defined by precision and licensure, critics argue that leadership should come from those who’ve earned their place within the industry through experience and certification.
Gatekeeping, Fear, and the Silencing of Dissent is a Hot Crisis in the Court Reporting Community
In today’s court reporting profession, too many voices are silenced not by debate, but by dismissal. When someone asks, “Who are you?” before deciding whether to block you, it’s not curiosity—it’s control. Gatekeeping has replaced dialogue, and fear has replaced professionalism. We must stop judging messages by the messenger and start confronting the culture that protects power over truth. Silencing isn’t safety—it’s complicity.
When the Boardroom Becomes a Crime Scene – Abuse, Silence, and Accountability in the Court Reporting Profession
Workplace intimidation in court reporting isn’t just toxic—it’s a weapon. When fear silences dissent and leadership enables abuse, the cost can be fatal. Whistleblowers are met not with concern, but with hostility: “Who is this?” That question isn’t curiosity—it’s a tactic. Silence protects power. Accountability must start with association boards and court leadership. Because when harm is ignored, complicity becomes policy.
Who Owns the Record? What the Biden Leak Means for Court Reporters
President Biden’s leaked audio wasn’t just a political moment—it was a wake-up call for court reporters. When legal recordings fall into untrained hands, confidentiality and trust go with them. This blog explores why court reporters, as the Responsible Charge, are essential to protecting the integrity of the record—and what’s at stake if we’re pushed out of the process.
Court Reporter Anxiety – Managing Stress in a High-Stakes Career
Court reporting is a demanding profession that requires precision, focus, and mental resilience. The constant pressure to produce accurate transcripts, manage tight deadlines, and absorb emotionally intense content can lead to anxiety and burnout. Prioritizing mental health through self-care, mindfulness, and professional support is essential. By recognizing the signs of stress and taking proactive steps, court reporters can protect their well-being and thrive in their careers.
Inside the Mind of a Court Reporter – Between Transcripts and Grocery Lists
While attorneys argue and witnesses testify, court reporters are silently working magic—capturing every word, even as their minds drift to dinner plans or dog cuddles. We may not always be mentally present, but the record is. Opinions? We keep those to ourselves. Our focus isn’t on the drama unfolding—it’s on the speed, clarity, and precision of speech. The result? A flawless transcript, every time.
The Role of Court Reporters and the Limits of Interpreter Expectations
Court reporters ensure accurate legal records, but they are not responsible for providing interpreters with LiveNote or laptops. Interpreters must work from what they hear, not read, as real-time feeds are unedited drafts. If an interpreter requires accommodations, it is the responsibility of their agency, not the court reporter. Setting clear boundaries protects court reporters from undue burdens while maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.
The Importance of Maintaining a Poker Face as a Court Reporter
Court reporters play a vital role in legal proceedings, capturing verbatim transcripts while maintaining impartiality. A critical aspect of their professionalism is the ability to maintain a neutral, expressionless demeanor—often referred to as a “poker face.” This skill ensures they remain unbiased, avoid distractions, and uphold the integrity of the legal process, even when witnessing emotionally charged or controversial testimonies in the courtroom.
Handling Difficult Attorneys and Recovering from Stressful Jobs as a Court Reporter
Court reporting demands resilience, especially when faced with difficult attorneys and chaotic proceedings. Maintaining professionalism, setting firm boundaries, and ensuring a clear record are crucial, even when unappreciated. After a tough job, recovery is key—take time off, engage in stress-relieving activities, and connect with supportive colleagues. Remember, your work is essential, and tough days don’t define your value. You’ve got this!
The Secret to Stopping Test Anxiety and Stage Fright for Court Reporters
Court reporters often face intense anxiety during tests and trials, especially under the watchful eyes of a jury. But what if you could shut off that nervous response instantly? By tapping into the same brain function that lifts your leg without conscious thought, you can command your body to stop being anxious. This simple yet powerful technique has transformed my performance, eliminating test anxiety and stage fright on demand.
Success in Court Reporting – The Grind, The Grit, and The Breakthrough
Success in court reporting demands perseverance, skill, and mental endurance. The journey is grueling, filled with long hours of practice, frustration, and doubt. But it’s the struggle that proves you’re on the right path. Every setback is an opportunity to grow, and breakthroughs come when you least expect them. Embrace the grind, push through the exhaustion, and remember—success is earned by those who refuse to quit. Keep going, your breakthrough is near.
Seeing Stress and Surviving Vicarious Trauma for Court Reporters
Court reporters frequently encounter distressing content, leading to stress and vicarious trauma. Repeated exposure to emotional testimonies and high-pressure environments can impact mental well-being. Recognizing signs like fatigue, anxiety, and emotional numbness is crucial. Self-care strategies, including mindfulness, exercise, and professional support, help mitigate effects. This seminar equips court reporters with tools to maintain resilience while fulfilling their essential role in the legal system.
Stop Steno Exploitation!!!
Thanks to Governor Newsom, the reign of the exploitation of stenographers in California is about to end! Starting next week, January 1, 2025, Senate Bill 988 goes into effect.
The Rise of Imposters in the Stenography Industry: Button Pushers or Court Reporters?
In the age of technological advancement, traditional professions have undergone significant transformations, and the field of stenography is no exception. However, alongside legitimate advancements, a concerning trend has emerged – the infiltration of imposters masquerading as court reporters. These individuals, armed with fake steno machines and minimal skills, undermine the integrity of the profession, posingContinue reading “The Rise of Imposters in the Stenography Industry: Button Pushers or Court Reporters?”
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