Get a clean transcript the first time!

Provide a list of keywords/phrases

The machine court reporters use is set up phonetically instead of like a normal QWERTY keyboard. While this sounds confusing to the average person, it allows court reporters to type far more quickly and keep up with any legal proceeding. That being said, phonetic typing can lend to incorrect spelling in an initial draft, which is why it is so essential for court reporters to go back and refine the transcript before delivering it to the client. However, unfamiliar words, phrases, and names can cause problems, causing the court reporter to pause, do research, or even call the client for clarification. If you know there are terms that could cause your court reporter an issue, provide them a list of these words and phrases so they can get the spelling right the first time.

Clearly enunciate

While court reporters can type at practically inhuman speeds, they are limited by what they can hear. If you, or anyone in the room, speaks too quickly, over another person, or mumbles, it can make it difficult for the court reporter to translate what was said. If anyone speaks in an unclear fashion, ask them to speak clearly for the record.