By Jill Parker Landsman
Professionalism doesn’t go out of style; it just evolves. That was the message underscored during the Aug. 26 National Court Reporter Foundation (NCRF) Ask Me Anything ZoomUp, where veteran court reporters and captioners shared fresh insights on workplace etiquette in the courtroom and in the digital age.
From managing interactions to maintaining respect and composure under pressure, the panelists offered practical advice and candid stories designed to help both newcomers and seasoned professionals succeed. Topics included punctuality, preparation, courtesy, readback, and avoiding distractions. Watch the AMA ZoomUp below and on the NCRA YouTube channel.
When asked about courtroom attire, moderator Meredith Bonn, RPR, CRR, of Webster, N.Y.,surveyed panelists, who emphasized taking pride in one’s appearance.
“Know your client. Know your audience. Elevate your attire to the next level,” said Michael Bouley, RDR, a freelance court reporter based in Henderson, Nev.
And court reporting instructor Matthew Dreger offered a memorable rule of thumb: “If you can wear it to the club, don’t wear it to the courtroom.”
Preparation also took center stage. “As an official I got a lot of great advice after 19 years,” shared Michael A. Scire, RPR, CMRS, of Sarasota, Fla. “Go to the clerk sites [to find] witness lists, motions, word lists, all kinds of information.” He also recommended requesting transcripts from reporters who covered earlier related cases.
Affirming these tips, twin brother Richard Scire, RPR, also of Sarasota, added that when he did receive previous transcripts, he was able to create robust word lists and speaker designations. “The better preparation you do, this makes you stand out,” he said.
CART captioner Jo Gayle, RPR, CRR, CRC, of Chicago, Ill. described her process: “If [the assignment] is a presentation or a lecture, or interview, I will go on YouTube and look for other presentations the speaker has given. And practice with it. They may use terminology that I need to add to a job dictionary.” She stressed that preparation always occurs beforehand, never after the assignment.
Tammy McGhee, RMR, CRR, CRC, now a Congressional court reporter, highlighted the importance of neutrality: “I don’t want to say your guy is going to be guilty,” she said. “I keep it neutral. I am here for both sides. I am the court reporter; I hear stuff the jurors don’t hear.”
The panel made clear that etiquette remains a cornerstone of the profession, whether in the courtroom or behind the screen. From attire to preparation, from neutrality to professionalism under pressure, today’s court reporters and captioners carry forward traditions of respect while adapting to new challenges. The timeless takeaway: excellence lies in preparation, composure, and pride in one’s role.
Next up in the Ask Me Anything series:
Oct 28: Beyond the Briefs: What Mentoring Really Looks Like
Nov 18: Ask Me Anything about the NCRA Leadership & Legislative Boot Camp
Jan 27: Ask Me Anything about Fiscal Responsibility
For more information about the Ask Me Anything series, contact Jill Parker Landsman at jlandsman@ncra.org.
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