A stenographer transcribes spoken words into written text using shorthand or a stenotype machine, creating an accurate, verbatim record of events like legal proceedings, meetings, or lectures. Key responsibilities include capturing dialogue in real-time, producing official transcripts, proofreading and editing for accuracy, maintaining confidentiality, and potentially providing live captioning.
Core responsibilities
Record spoken words: Use a stenotype machine or shorthand to capture every word spoken during meetings, court sessions, or other events in real-time.
Produce transcripts: Convert the recorded shorthand or digital audio into a readable, official, and verbatim written document.
Proofread and edit: Review transcripts for accuracy, grammar, spelling, and completeness, ensuring proper use of legal or medical terminology.
Maintain confidentiality: Adhere to strict confidentiality rules, especially in legal and medical settings, due to the sensitive nature of the information being recorded.
Provide live captioning: In some roles, provide real-time captions for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during live events or broadcasts.
Collaborate with others: Work closely with legal professionals, judges, or executives to ensure the accuracy of the record.