4 Vital Tips for Court Reporters to Strengthen Their Editing Skills

By: Colleen Jilio-Ryan | Posted in: court reporter

A court reporter must begin honing their skills very early in their career if they plan on being a success. Accuracy is everything, especially when dealing with depositions, statements, and documents that have to do with a trial or other legal proceedings. When it comes to editing, practice makes perfect.

Here are 4 vital tips for court reporters to strengthen their editing skills:

1. Avoid Distractions
   Remember that when you are working, it is time to eliminate as many distractions as possible. Distractions can cause errors and errors lead to frustration. Turn off your cell phone and keep outside noise and interruptions to a minimum.

2. Go Over It Twice
   Go over your finished document twice. If you work in sections, take a minute when you are finished to do a final read through. Take a short break before you go over it for the last time. This allows you to clear your head and look at your work with fresh eyes.

3. Proofread Your Work
   Proofread your work as you go, but also one last time before you finalize it. As a court reporter, you are constantly looking at letters and words. While proofreading may be the most boring part of your job, it is also where you will find the majority of your errors.

4. Practice Makes Perfect
   Practice makes perfect. Practice editing as you go or edit by paragraph. Use the symbols as you write so that you know what corrections may need to be made when you’re finished. Practice editing another person’s work. It will give you fresh material to work with.

As a court reporter, you are expected to be able to provide a high degree of accuracy. Editing is your chance to make yourself shine. Learn to do it well and you will always have businesses lining up at your door.