Stenography is the act of recording spoken words through shorthand using a stenotype machine. A stenographer is a person who makes a written verbatim record using a unique shortened writing style called “steno” on a steno machine. Steno is “written” on the machine using phonetic-based shorthand that allows for whole words and phrases to be written in one stroke of the keyboard. Stenography is primarily used in legal proceedings, during court reporting, but stenographers also work in other fields, including live television closed captioning, forums for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, as well as making the record for governmental agency proceedings.
Stenography allows court reporters to record proceedings and events much quicker than they would be able to do using a standard keyboard. Stenographers use shorthand typing machines called stenotypes, which allow them to type at rates exceeding 300 words per minute. The ultimate goal of stenography is to record the spoken word verbatim. The steno is matched against an English definition contained in the court reporter’s “dictionary,” or the software that they have customized personally to read their steno theory.
Stenographers are highly skilled professionals who require extensive training in shorthand, as well as the use of the stenotype machine and related technology. They must be familiar with legal processes and procedures and complete extensive training in shorthand theory. Stenographers are notary publics who swear in the witness prior to giving testimony and remain engaged throughout the proceeding to capture the spoken word and attest to the accuracy of the transcription.
In addition to capturing a verbatim record, stenographers are also present as court representatives. They play an essential role in a courtroom, including remote hearings, depositions, and virtual trials. Stenography is still the most widely used form of court reporting, both in and out of the courtroom.
