Did you know that the top three finishers at the 2023 Speed Contest at the NCRA Convention used Stenograph writers? We are in awe of this group’s amazing talent, skill, and dedication and wanted to find out how they prepared for the speed contest. Besides using a Stenograph writer and their experience in the profession, the top three finishers also had another thing in common- practice, practice, and even more practice! Thank you for taking time out of your busy days to share your secrets.
Patricia Nilsen
Patricia Nilsen, RMR, CRR, CRC, CRI
How long have you been a court reporter?
I graduated in 1995, so I think that makes 28 years?
How long have you been a Stenograph customer?
I got a Stentura 8000 when I graduated.
How did you prepare for the speed contest?
I use ev360 software for practice. I love it because you can practice up to 50 wpm higher than your target speed. I am also a member of Rich Germosen’s 100-day practice group, though I broke my streak about a month before the contest.
What writer did you use for the contest?
I use a Luminex 1.
Donna Urlaub
Donna M. Urlaub, CSR, RPR, RMR, CRR, Certified Realtime Reporter
How long have you been a court reporter?
I have been a court reporter since 1969, making this September the beginning of year 55!
How long have you been a Stenograph customer?
I have been a Stenograph customer since they acquired Baron Data. I have been unable to determine when that happened. My best guess is the early 1990s.
How did you prepare for the speed contest?
I prepared for the speed contest by writing previous contests and other high-speed material. I practice every day for at least 30 minutes to world news, pharmaceutical commercials, and podcast interviews of experts on wide-ranging topics.
What writer did you use for the contest?
I used the older of my two Luminex IIs.
Karen Tyler
Karen Tyler, CCR(LA), CSR(TX), TCRR, CRR, CRC, Registered Diplomate Reporter
How long have you been a court reporter?
Since 1979
How long have you been a Stenograph customer?
Since 1978
How did you prepare for the speed contest?
I am a member of the 100-day practice group. I am also a member of the Magnum Steno Club.
The practice group was doing a 100-day challenge for Michelle and Mo to honor their memories, which meant a minimum of 30 minutes of practice.
I would do MSC and then at least a prior year’s Speed Contest, or maybe two, every day for the 100 days before the contest.
What writer did you use for the contest?
A Lumi II that I purchased at the Denver convention with raised vowels that I LOVE!
Congratulations to the top finishers and everyone who qualified and participated, we are already counting down until 2024.