Stenographer Breah Madson, offers her advice on what it takes to be a Supreme Court Reporter.

It may seem like common sense to be polite and courteous to customers, but it is surprising that something that seems so common sense is not commonplace.  Successful business comes down to successful interactions with customers, and a happy customer is a repeat customer.  Being polite can go a long way in ensuring customers are satisfied, and not only come back to the business, but look forward to working with you!  I am fortunate to work with people who are not only polite, but kind and considerate as well.  However, it never hurts to brush up on your skills.  Here are some tips on being polite and professional to better your business interactions:

• Greet others courteously and with energy.  Coming across as apathetic can be interpreted as being impolite.
• If you do not know someone well, be one step more polite and formal than you assume is necessary.  Adding “Mr.” or “Ms.,” “Sir” or Ma’am,” gives the other person the opportunity to say, “Oh, please, call me (name).” 
• Be attentive and listen when someone is speaking with you.  Making eye contact, nodding your head and smiling can go a long way.
• Stand up, extend your hand and introduce yourself when you are meeting someone for the first time. 
• End your interaction with things like “Thank you, it was great to see you.   Have a wonderful weekend,” anything to let the person know their time spent with you is appreciated.
• Say “please” and “thank you” whenever you can. People are more likely to respond to a request if they hear “please” at the end of it.  Also, when someone does something for you, say “thank you.”
• Keep your voice at an appropriate level based on your situation.  A loud voice can feel abrasive.
• If you have met someone before, make an effort to use their name when speaking with them.
• Along the same lines, bring up something you may have talked about previously.  Was your client telling you about their kids at your last meeting?  Ask them if they have any fun summer plans or how coaching their daughter’s basketball team is going. 
• SMILE!

 Thank you for reading this, and have a great day!

 Breah Madson,  Registered Professional Court Reporter
National Court Reporters Association 

Tags: national court reporters association, Registered Professional Reporter, stenographer, Supreme Court Reporter

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