How a stenographer can make your life easier

If you think a stenographer was just for a courtroom, then think again!

A stenographer is a skilled freelancer, who can work anywhere, not just in the judicial system.

Many people use stenographers to help them, both individuals and companies, so we thought we’d explain how you might benefit from the help of one of these incredible professionals.

What is a stenographer?

Ok, first off, what exactly is a stenographer?

Well, most people know them as the guys who sit in a courtroom and type everything that’s being said. And while that’s true, there’s a lot more to it than that.

Stenographers are more than simply typists. A professional typist can reach upwards of 100 words per minute, but a stenographer can type an incredible 360 words per minute!

This is possible because of their specialised machines.

Instead of a regular Qwerty keyboard, a stenograph types in shorthand, which renders words based on their sound rather than their spelling.

Each stenographer has their own pre-set list of shortcuts to help them along, with many specific to the industry they work in. This allows them to type literally as fast as someone is speaking.

How can a stenographer help you?

Being able to type that fast is crucial in a legal setting where things need to be recorded as quickly and accurately as possible.

When it comes to trials, depositions, and arbitrations, important decisions are made on what’s being said, so an accurate transcription is essential.

But being able to type that fast is also useful for other things, like live captioning, the type you’ll find on the 6 o’clock news or press conferences.

Live captioning

Live captioning delivers an inclusive experience for the deaf, hard of hearing, and those who have English as a second language.

Used in a work environment, live captioning provides equal access for employees, and thus complies with anti-discrimination laws.

It’s also simply useful when it comes to noisy environments, unreliable technology, or conversations with people who have strong accents or their English isn’t great.

Live captioning is also used for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in places of learning to help follow what’s being said in a lecture, classroom, or video conference.

This is especially useful during the Covid-19 pandemic with practically everyone communicating with their teachers, listening to classes, and note-taking from lectures online.

How to find a good stenographer

You’ve already found one.

121 Captions have built up an incredible team of professional stenographers who meet the highest standards set by the appropriate registration bodies.

We can provide both on-site and remote live captioning, making businesses, conferences, events, teleconference calls, meetings, and seminars all more accessible.

We are owned and run by deaf and hearing-impaired people who know first-hand the ease of access, and benefits to business, that proper captioning provides, priding ourselves on a 100% accuracy target.

In fact, we are so certain in our abilities that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not completely happy with our services.

If you need a stenographer or any other of the services we provide, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today.