Course Objective:

This ninety-minute presentation will give an in-depth view of how the body and the mind are one.  This session will teach levels of concentration and focus; how eating certain foods and sugars can affect the mid-day "drop”;  the steps to take to avoid "nodding off" while writing; wearing non-restricting, circulation-friendly clothes and shoes. 

Specific Topics:

• My thoughts while writing!

• Is my body reacting to my thoughts?

• Am I focused on what's being said or "What's for dinner?"

• Active alertness - Bringing your thoughts back to the present

• Consequences of "nodding off."

Learning Outcomes:

Court reporters will learn how to "catch" their thoughts before rumination, what foods and drinks to avoid preventing sleepiness while writing, and how to keep yourself alert during testimony

SESSION 5: Tackling Digitals and Educating Attorneys

1 hrs (60 Min)

Presenter: Kathy McDaniel, CSR and Pam Gwin Sheppard, CSR 

Course Objective:

This hour-long presentation will focus on ideas to keep digitals in their lane.  We will discuss how freelancers can help officials to keep digital transcripts out of the courtroom.  We will also discuss ways videographers can help keep us abreast of digitals invading depositions.  We will discuss the importance of officials helping their judges understand the legality of accepting into evidence digital transcripts in states where digitals are not an approved method of reporting.  We will also discuss the digital courses being taught in colleges in states where digital is not an approved method and how we can voice our disapproval respectfully to the deans of these colleges in informing them of the facts in our states about not being an approved method.  The session will involve a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on instruction.

Specific Topics:

• Identifying the states where digitals are not approved

• How to discuss digitals with judges and attorneys

• How to know when a digital took a record in depos in cases before your court

• How to help attorneys understand when/where digitals are approved or not

• Tackling the narrative that mask writers and machine writers are the same as digital

Learning Outcomes:

Court reporters will understand how to communicate facts to their judges and attorneys on the licensure requirements for their individual states and when and in what circumstances digitals can be used and the importance and security of their record.

SESSION 6: Sexual Harasser? Me? 
1 hr (60 Min)
Presenter: Pam Gwin Sheppard, CSR and Kathy McDaniel, CSR 

Course Objective:

This session is a new perspective on sexual harassment.  Participants will learn if they are the ones doing the harassing and how to tell if someone thinks that they are being harassed.  This session will include interactive discussion, play-acting, and videos that will help show reporters how not to be the harasser.  This session will show how to act professionally to keep yourself out of trouble in today’s litigious society.

Specific Topics:

• When to joke

• How to tell if you actually are the harasser

• The art of being a professional and not getting involved in workplace sexual discussions.

• Keep your hands to yourself

Learning Outcomes:

Court reporters will learn how not to be flirtations at jobs, when to joke and not to joke with attorneys/judges, keeping your distance on discussions regarding sexual topics in the workplace.

SESSION 7: Language Fun
1.5 hr (90 Min)
Presenter: Pam Gwin Sheppard, CSR, and Jeff Justice 

 COURSE OBJECTIVE:

In this fun, fast-paced presentation, we will cover common punctuation problems; when and when not to cap; numbers and addresses; when to use verbatim, phonetic or sic; and many more English problems reporters face daily.  This is all to help in our daily transcript production.  We will use quizzes, teamwork, and timed exercises for retention and competitive fun.

Participants will learn more about grammar than they want to …

 Learning Objectives:

The main objective of this session is as a refresher on various English grammar and resources to aid in making the best transcripts possible. By utilizing fun and interactive games and competition, reporters will keep their skills fresh on preparing their best transcripts.

Specific Topics:

• Punctuation problems

• Number rules

• VERBATIM, PHONETIC, SIC, OR RESEARCH

• Soundalikes

• Proofing

• Homophones

Learning Outcomes:

This lively session will help to perfect participants’ skills in producing their best transcripts.  It will also help the participants perfect their proofing skills with the topics being presented.