A voice writer provides transcription services by recording others’ words into a soundproof mask during a trial, meeting, or other activity. The words of the voice writer may then be transcribed by the voice writer or another typist using voice-to-text software. Voice writing is one of several types of court reporting techniques that can be used in a variety of situations. Other methods of court reporting and transcription, such as stenography and the use of stenographic machines, are replaced by this technique.
A voice writer, unlike other forms of verbatim reporting, does not type or write down the words spoken by others. Instead, the transcriptionist must pay attention to what others are saying and then repeat it into a device known as a stenomask. The stenomask is designed to completely cover the writer’s mouth, preventing others from hearing his words. The voice writer may include information about a speaker’s emotional reactions or gestures during the transcription process. The writer may be responsible for preparing transcripts from a recording of his words after the meeting or proceedings, though many voice writers now use voice-recognition software to do much of the work of preparing a written record.
A voice writer will be trained in the method as part of a court reporter education program in many cases. It’s important to note that mastering real-time voice transcription alone does not qualify someone to work as a court reporter. A court reporter must learn legal terminology and court procedures in addition to learning a transcription method. A court reporter may be required to be licensed by a government agency or to be certified by a recognized professional organization in some jurisdictions. The National Verbatim Reporters Association in the United States, for example, certifies voice writers so that they can work in courtrooms. Some proponents of voice writing argue that learning to use voice writing equipment is faster and easier than learning to use standard stenography equipment.
A voice writer, like many other stenographers and court reporters, may use her skills outside of the legal field. Closed captioning is a service provided by many voice writers to the broadcast industry. They may also be hired to transcribe conference calls and business meetings, especially in cases where having an accurate record of the meeting is critical.