Stenography

This is the method of typing in shorthand using a stenotype.  This method and equipment is used when you need a record of what someone is saying, or you have to translate what someone is saying due to lack of communication.  These types of scenarios would often be in a court or communicating speech to text.  Some people would call this an art as you have to be able to type 180wpm generally to pass as a qualified stenotypist.

A palantypist is someone who types all of what is being said onto a phonetic keyboard and translates for those who cannot understand what is being said.  This is then projected onto a screen so that it can be read.  Palentypist’s are also used when their is live feed on the television and people need to read it on the subtitles.  Phonetically spelling is different to typing out every word that is being said.  It is a spelling using the sounds of peoples speech.  On a phonetic keyboard each of these sounds are represented by a symbol.  This is then translated into words on the screen that it is being projected on.

A court reporter is an example of someone who would use a stenotype or a stenomask to transcribe everything that is being said.  It is their job to make sure that not a single word is missed.  This is why stenotypes are very commonly used.  These look like a mini piano rather then a normal keyboard with all the letters of alphabet on it.  The stenotypist can type down a whole phrases or sentence with one hand movement.  A court reporter must pass the Registered Professional Reporter test before they can be let into a court hearing.  In America, in some cases the court reporter even has to swear an oath to witnesses that what is in the transcript/verbatim is an exact copy of what has been said.