Court reporters compete to see who has the fastest fingers in NYC

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Stenotype machines enable court reporters to write an eye-popping number of words per minute — with near 100 percent accuracy. Photo courtesy of LIBI.

Stenotype machines enable court reporters to write an eye-popping number of words per minute — with near 100 percent accuracy. Photo courtesy of LIBI.

By Rachel Vick

A group of 15 nimble-fingered students from Plaza College will put their court reporting skills to the test in a competition this evening. 

Over 100 students from across the city will compete in the National Court Reporters Association Student Speed Contest. 

Plaza College’s court reporting program is led by Karen Santucci, and prepares students for careers in the court and beyond. Stenography training can lead to jobs in captioning for broadcast and live events. 

As part of National Court Reporting and Captioning Week, the event highlights the importance of both speed and accuracy in the field. Students will be given five minutes of Disney-themed dictation. Their transcription needs to be 96 percent accurate to notch a victory. 

The event will take place at Plaza College, starting at 6 p.m.