Court reporters have a tough job and students of the profession often find it hard to learn the skills and speed they will need for their careers. Keeping a positive attitude and commitment to your work are important for getting through the tough curriculum.

Know When to Listen to Others...and When Not To

Many budding court reporters find it helpful to get together with their fellow students. You can commiserate over the difficulties or share tips on skill building. If nothing else, it helps knowing you aren't the only one who feels lost.

Find opportunities to observe court reporters in action. Talk to a local court reporting agency and ask if you can tag along with one of their people to observe legal depositions. Sit in on a public trial and see how the court stenographer handles different situations throughout the proceedings. During a recess, approach the reporter and ask questions. She was a student once as well and will probably be sympathetic to your struggle.

Don't listen to anything that makes you feel negative. There is a difference between a student who struggles with the work and one who has simply given up and is bringing everyone else down. Do you want to know the washout rate at court reporting schools? No you don't because that doesn't affect whether you will succeed or not.

Practice Makes Perfect

Right now you are a student. By definition you are not as skilled as professional court reporters. There is no magic method to getting better. The only way to improve is to practice as much as possible.

Practice every single day. Each day you miss makes it easier to take another day. Vacations and holidays aren't excuses. You can still find time to practice your skills. If you do end up having to miss a day or put in a short session, make it up with longer sessions over the next few days.

This may sound rigid, but you will be thankful you did it. It's better to do something every day than to try to do a long session once a week. Your skills will improve faster and soon much of what you struggle with will become second nature.

Take Care Of Yourself

Court reporting classes are stressful and daily practice sessions add to that. You can't avoid that stress but you can prepare your body to deal with it.

Study after study shows that the best way to handle stress is exercise. Focusing your energies into vigorous physical activity provides a healthy outlet for all of that energy. A healthy, fit body is better able to handle the crazy biochemical roller coaster that stress can put us through. To maximize the positive effects supplement your exercise program with healthy eating and plenty of sleep.

Healthy living, regular practice and the support of others will give you the best chance to complete your training and become a certified court reporter.