#71 - Attorneys: How to Work with your Court Reporter - Part 2
When the record is on the line, every micro-decision matters. If you wait until the end to request a rough or let crosstalk slide “just this once,” you invite stress, corrections, and a messy review. In this episode, you’ll learn simple moves that keep you impartial, in control, and confident from gavel to goodbye.
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EPISODE 71 — How to Get on the Court Reporter's Good Side, Part 2
Speaker:Welcome back to the Court Reporter Podcast. I'm your host, Brynn Reynolds Seymour.
Speaker:This is Part Two of our three-part series on how attorneys can get on the court reporter's good side.
Speaker:In Part One, we covered being clear about going on and off the record, making the record out loud, and introducing yourself with spellings.
Speaker:Today we continue with Tips 4 through 7.
Reminder:this series implies no bias or favoritism. We are completely impartial.
Reminder:It's simply about being professional and courteous so the record can be as accurate as it deserves to be.
Reminder:TIP #4: State your transcript order early and clearly.
Reminder:Court reporters are not mind readers. If you want a rough draft, expedited turnaround, or specific format —
Reminder:tell us as early as possible. Ideally before the proceeding begins.
Reminder:The clearest approach: put it on the record before the proceeding concludes, or send it by email in advance.
For example:"For the record, I would like a rough draft by tonight and a certified transcript by Friday in PDF format."
For example:No confusion, no frustration. This respects the reporter's workflow and leads to faster, smoother proceedings.
For example:Reporters are human. When multiple clients need the same turnaround, someone has to be prioritized. Professionalism goes a long way.
For example:TIP #5: Spell out unique or technical terms.
For example:Medical terms, engineering jargon, and foreign names are not always easy to find online.
For example:Spelling them out in the moment saves time and reduces errors. Even better — provide a word list before the deposition.
For example:A prepared word list is one of the most appreciated things an attorney can do. It prevents costly mistakes before they start.
For example:TIP #6: Back us up when we speak up.
For example:Sometimes a court reporter needs to interrupt to ask for clarification, request someone slow down, or ask for clearer speech.
For example:Attorneys who back us up in those moments are invaluable. If I ask a witness to slow down —
For example:validating that request: "Yes, please slow down so we can get a clear record" — makes all the difference.
For example:These quick resets may feel like they slow things down, but they actually make the whole proceeding faster in the end.
For example:You won't be untangling crosstalk and dashes during review.
For example:TIP #7: Follow and enforce the rules of depositions.
For example:Keep objections concise. Don't allow witnesses to talk over attorneys and vice versa. Stop interruptions before they derail the flow.
For example:Encourage slow, clear, and formal speaking. A deposition is not a regular conversation.
For example:Regular conversations are filled with interruptions and crosstalk. A deposition is a formal exchange being written down verbatim.
For example:Help your clients understand they can be calm — but the proceeding must remain orderly.
For example:Professional courtesy in this area builds long-term working relationships and a consistently clean record.
For example:That wraps up Tips 4 through 7.
For example:Clear instructions, technical preparation, and mutual support create a clean transcript and a smooth day for everyone.
For example:In Part Three, we finish with pacing, how to address the reporter, and the one powerful habit that builds lasting goodwill.
For example:Call the order early, back your reporter up, and enjoy a smooth day. See you in Part Three.
