How to Become a Voice Writer
Voice writing is a method of preserving the spoken word. It is predominantly used by court reporters as an alternative to stenography or electronic reporting. The primary tool used by voice writers is a hand-held mask that acts as a microphone and voice silencer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job prospects to be excellent. While training varies based on specialization and state licensure requirements, many in this profession follow a similar path.
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Things You'll Need
- Two-track analog or digital recorder
- External microphone
- Speech Silencer (stenomask)
- Voice-to-text software (optional)
- Computer (optional)
Instructions
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Training
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Enroll in an education program. Institutions offer online as well as on-campus programs, and a degree or certification can be obtained in one to three years. Depending on the state of residence, consider the importance of choosing an institution certified by the National Court Reporters Association.
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Take a certification examination. The National Verbatim Reporters Association determines the testing schedule. Times and locations, as well as study materials and practice tapes, are available from the association's website.
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Apply for employment wherever there is a need to preserve a record of the spoken word. Though voice writing is commonly affiliated with court reporting, the skills of a voice writer are regularly needed in many other situations. One lucrative alternative to court reporting is providing closed captioning of live programs for television stations. There is no shortage of places to apply for a voice writing candidate who holds a degree or certification and proof of adequate examination scores.
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Tips & Warnings
Like any profession, certain personal attributes indicate a higher possibility of success. The best voice writers are knowledgeable about computer hardware and software applications. They should also be capable of listening and speaking simultaneously, a skill which can be developed over time. It is in a voice writer's best interest to expand her capabilities. Court reporting of all forms is often listed as one of the best ways to earn a high salary without a professional degree. This is accomplished when the reporter becomes proficient in more than one type of reporting. Many different certifications are available, including Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR), Registered Diplomat Reporter (RDR), Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC), and Certified CART Provider (CCP), just to name a few. To maximize income, it is wise for the reporter to continue studying different forms of voice writing well into his career.
Court reporters often work regular, 40 hour work weeks in comfortable environments such as courtrooms or an attorney's office. However, there are the accompanying risks of staying in one position for an extended amount of time. Specifically, voice writers using computer software should take precautions to avoid Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.
