#72 - How to Get on a Court Reporter’s Good Side — Part 3/3

EPISODE 72 — Building Professional Relationships: Key Tips for Attorneys Working with Court Reporters, Part 3

Welcome back to the Court Reporter Podcast. I'm your host, Brynn Reynolds Seymour,

certified court reporter and life coach. This is Part Three of our series.

If you haven't listened to Parts One and Two, start there for the full context on why this series matters.

Today we wrap up with Tips 8 through 10.

TIP #8: Pause between the question and the answer.

Depositions are not a race. Rushing almost always takes longer — because it leads to more interruptions and a messier transcript.

When a witness answers before the question is fully out, it creates overlapping speech that is difficult to untangle.

The transcript fills with dashes. Rapid back-and-forth is the biggest source of transcript cleanup time.

While court reporters can write two people speaking at once through sheer skill — it is never guaranteed every word makes the record.

It is simply not physically possible to capture simultaneous speech with complete accuracy.

The best attorneys let the question land, allow a beat between exchanges, and prepare their witnesses to do the same.

A clean record now saves hours of work later — for everyone.

TIP #9: Ask how we want to be addressed.

This may seem small, but it matters. Court reporters have preferences about how they are addressed — and those preferences vary.

Titles like "Madam Court Reporter," "young lady," or "this pretty lady to your left" can feel outdated or patronizing.

When in doubt, just ask. "How would you like me to address you?" is all it takes.

It's a small gesture of professional courtesy that eliminates assumptions and sets a respectful tone for the entire proceeding.

TIP #10: Express appreciation.

At the end of a long proceeding, a simple "Thank you for your work today" goes a long way.

Court reporters are often the most important — and most overlooked — person in the room.

This is especially true after difficult sessions: poor audio, a fast-talking witness, or a marathon deposition.

Acknowledging the effort it took to capture that record accurately is meaningful and remembered.

And while it didn't make the official list: offering a break during long proceedings is always appreciated.

This habit — combined with paying on time and communicating clearly — is how you build a long-term professional relationship.

Reputation matters in the court reporting community. Attorneys known for their professionalism are remembered.

FULL SERIES RECAP — The Top 10 Tips:

1. Be crystal clear about going on and off the record. 2. Make the record out loud.

3. Introduce yourself kindly and help with name spellings. 4. State your transcript order early and clearly.

5. Spell out unique or technical terms. 6. Back the reporter up when they speak up.

7. Follow and enforce the rules of depositions. 8. Pause between the question and the answer.

9. Ask how the reporter wants to be addressed. 10. Express appreciation.

Implement even a few of these and your depositions will run smoother, your transcripts will be cleaner.

And your working relationships with court reporters will be stronger for years to come.

Thank you for tuning in. Subscribe for more tips and insights from behind the scenes of the legal world.

Reach out at brynn@courtreporterpodcast.com with pet peeves, questions, or anything you'd like addressed.

Until next time — keep making an accurate record.