Tips to Defeating Distractions in the Courtroom

A frustrated attorney that is yelling, a sick juror who won’t stop coughing, members of the audience that don’t know how to whisper quietly—these are just a few of the multitude of distractions that are present in a courtroom. As a court reporter that is responsible for taking accurate record of every word spoken during the trial, he or she must be able to always remain focused regardless of the commotion in the courtroom. At Evans Reporting, our court reporters are the best of the best, and they have put together some tips on how to defeat distractions and stay focused while on the job.

• Eat breakfast. You have probably heard the infamous saying that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” In the court reporting profession, this could not be more true. A balanced, nutritious breakfast gives you a natural boost of energy that allows you to stay focused and on task even during the earliest of hours. If you are a coffee drinker, a cup of Joe can help too; however, do not consume too much. A surplus of caffeine could make you feel fidgety or anxious, and cause you to crash.

• Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before a trial. While getting an adequate amount of sleep can be a struggle for any working professional, it is important that you feel well rested. Set a time each night for you to be in bed. Once you have sank into the comfort of your mattress, put your phone away and avoid watching television. The fluorescent lights from the screens stimulate your brain and prevent you from falling asleep. If you need to wind down before bed to feel relaxed, try reading a book or listening to a white noise machine.

• If you get a break, enjoy it. While you may not always get the luxury of a break, enjoy the rare occasions when you do. As a court reporter, you are required to sit and stay completely focused for long durations of time. It can be mentally exhausting. On your break, be sure to step outside of the courtroom. Stretch your whole body (including legs, fingers, and neck), use the restroom, get a refreshing drink of water, or step outdoors and soak up the fresh air for a moment—just be sure to return to the courtroom ready and focused as ever.

• Ask the participants of the trial to speak loudly and clearly. In order to do your job and to do it well, you need to be able to hear everyone. Some people may not realize that you are taking record of what they are saying. A kind, professional reminder can make a major difference in the clarity of individuals’ statements. In the rare instance that you did not catch exactly what a person said, kindly ask them to repeat themselves. It is not rude, it is you taking the initiative to do your job right.

Our team of court reporters is highly experienced and completely capable at drowning out any distraction, and producing accurate, timely transcripts. Learn more about our reporting services by calling 800-256-8410.