Monette's Musings > court reporter certification
court reporter certification
Author: monette | Category: captioning prep, CART provider, Coach, court reporter certification, Court Reporter Tutor, CRRbooks.com, Life Coach, NCRA Court Reporters, Uncategorized, Written Knowledge Test
You, Ken-Tu, And The Mockingbird
~~ Originally published in my column “Beyond The Comfort Zone” within NCRA’s Journal of Court Reporting, JCR
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved
Some days are not dull. I swear my life could be a sitcom. This is only one gem when silliness seemed to unfold at record pace.
I view many ‘life lessons’ as I read forums and e-mails from court reporters and reporting students. Respectfully, I share my life lesson below.
My sister-in-law appeared with nephews and skateboarding teens. She needed help closing her car’s trunk because the key had broken inside the lock.
(Schools were closed for the swine flu. Locally, skateboarding kids gathered in ‘teen pods’ [my term] – pretending to cough on each other, while laughing at ‘the’ adults.) That is the moment a cat appeared from the heavens on her car roof as we worked to help her close the trunk, so she could drive home.
In the driveway, a nephew gasped and pointed, “Hey! Where did that cat come from? It catapulted from the sky!”
The cat was bleeding with multiple fresh wounds on both sides of its neck and back.
Then the cat raced into our garage. Immediately, ‘cat’ sat with its front paws pointed ‘to’ the exact spot where [then] husband said a few hours earlier, “I wish I could do something about that mouse in the garage!”
That first night, still in the garage, I sat with him. The cat placed a warm, dead mouse near my feet. How do I know? I picked it up. Yes, eugh.
He did not understand any words except “stop that.” I did not want to name him Stop That.
I spoke to him saying, “You-ken-tu” and “He-ken-tu” as I observed the cat, considered adopting this wounded animal. Perhaps someone was missing their pet? I named the cat Ken-Tu.
The vet shared Ken-Tu is eight years old and had been “homeless at least one year – possibly more, based upon deformed ears, ear mites and bulbous tumor that exploded, creating a cauliflower ear.” He also shared that the cat had old wounds, scars, and had been used “in fights.” The vet said solemnly, “Based on what I see – NO one is looking for ‘this’ cat.” Of course, I hugged the new cat in our family. Ken-Tu ‘healed’ in the garage (post a huge vet bill).
Years ago, I volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, SVDP, as a caseworker. I also volunteered to assist in the initial organization of a new no-kill animal shelter (rescuing wild and abandoned animals) and a new women’s shelter. I learned many ‘life lessons’.
Each event was a teacher, to me.
For years, I filled my car for families, children, rest homes, churches, and hospitals helping a wide area. I then delivered donations and offerings to individuals and churches.
(Also, I learned that damaged clothing, items, could be donated to the State hospital. There, long-term patients were rewarded for positive behavior in the psych ward. Items that needed repairing were ‘repaired’ by other patients learning ‘life skills’. When ‘fixed’, those items were placed in the hospital thrift store. Positive behavior was rewarded with coupons. Coupons presented new gifts for the patients. To me, win/win! I added the State hospital and their staff to the list. We had great fun.) Life lessons were plentiful …
The weekend I’m documenting with Ken-Tu, I was assisting my cat Chicos, a special spirit, who was in kidney failure for eight months. I softly teased people that I was the hand-maiden who shared food in syringes and “closed the deal.” (We have rituals; cats love rituals.) I administered IV subcu fluids, as needed. I knew that Chicos and I were rounding another one-way corner.
The court reporters and students whom I privately tutored and coached reached out to me. I know Chicos’ life was extended as others shared their personal experiences and their wisdom.
Soon on a Sunday, we decided to bring Ken-Tu into the humble house, which already had two cats and one 70-pound, two-year old dog (all rescued animals). Ken-Tu was in the laundry room, snarling as needed. At 17 pounds – our ‘starving kitty’ was a force. (Because of abuse – with little provocation – he swung overhand.)
That afternoon – just prior to bringing the cat ‘in’ from the outdoors – my husband went to the store. Upon each return, I know he usually rushes in with the groceries. In my worry that he would trip over Ken-Tu (who was passionately vaulting head first into the laundry door to get back into the garage) – I opened the laundry room door to avoid a collision with then husband and this cat.
Thus, silliness begins.
Ken-Tu sprinted through the garage to the front yard. Husband stopped, his arms loaded with groceries.
I immediately went after Ken-Tu, but I’m not as fast as the mockingbird in our front yard. (Within the garage, Ken-Tu stood on a car roof looking through the window at that bird. The bird flew by the window and appeared to be well aware that a cat was watching. Oh yes.)
Immediately, the mockingbird began diving Ken-Tu’s head, Beak first. I headed for ‘escaped’ cat, avoiding all eye contact with husband.
The cat darts for cover – in the neighbor’s large hedges. Husband was cussing. It’s Texas hot; he immediately departed for Lowe’s – “to return later.” Husband drove off; did not look back.
With my arms outstretched, I called Ken-Tu. The mockingbird never dove for me but flushed the cat out of the neighbor’s hedges. The cat scampered, low to the ground – racing into my yard, and under our hedges. As I tried to retrieve this cat, Ken-Tu accurately swatted me.
In realtime, I remembered that neighbors might be watching – I’m in my short shorts bent over this cat in my front yard. I can just imagine someone saying, “Yes, and she hit that kitty.” (No one could see the scratches ‘leaking’ small amounts of blood.)
I refrained from hitting the cat, which was swinging overhand with two paws after he rolled in dirt around all hedges.
I refocused on trying to coax cat back into our garage – until my meter goes off – and then I’m done.
I lowered the garage door to the height a ‘starving’ cat could return to his food. Done. I returned into house. The kung-fu kitty was on its own.
Soon, I feel guilty. I sit in an uncomfortable lawn chair within my garage, reading my JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, calling Ken-Tu until ‘that’ becomes silly.
The entire time, I can tell exactly where Ken-Tu was because of the mockingbird and its shrieks. That bird was working to injure that cat – feathers flew.
Later, I heard the garage open; husband does not immediately enter. When he did, this husband was ‘not’ happy.
Red-faced, slowly (perhaps to contain anger?) he asked, “Did you know the mockingbird was in the garage when I pulled my car in?”
Me: “WHAT!?”
Husband: “Yes, dear, it was in, flying all over the garage.”
Me: “That can’t be. I left the garage door cracked just a little.”
He: “Then that bird followed Ken-Tu. The cat was lying on his towel licking himself. The bird was flying into the walls and the ceiling. When I opened the door, it became trapped within the small space between the garage door and ceiling.”
Me: “WHAT!?”
He: “Yes, then – I had to get a broom.”
Me: “WHAT!?” (I could not keep a straight face.)
He: “The bird was frantic. It was throwing itself around, hurting itself.”
Me: “Really???”
He: “So, I had to use the broom. Open the door to the side yard. Move the mower and yard equipment. And sweep that bird out the side door – not an easy job – as it became more frantic.”
Me: “Maybe that bird will move? Where’s Ken-Tu?”
He: “Asleep in the garage. What the hell were you thinking?”
Ken-Tu strolled in, as if on cue, moved to the dining room and began pre-emptive screaming. If something looked at him, Ken-Tu screamed.
And the large dog? You don’t want to know.
Soon Ken-Tu moved into the bedroom. Woah, daddy! Did kitty spit and hair fly.
But as life rolled itself forward, events calmed down. Ken-Tu now spends his time in the dead armadillo pose.
As we prepare for the holidays, I wish you great peace and the ability to laugh at some of your/our silliness. I know ‘you-ken-tu’ grow from life’s lessons.
The day before I submitted this series, Chicos died in my arms.
I want to share with you that I continue to learn multiple lessons from this one question: “Is my life better from this experience?”
My answer today is ‘yes’ regarding Chicos and yes, Ken-Tu.
And the mockingbird? It’s back – singing, not screaming, perched on the garage roof.
Now I ask you, “What makes your experiences and your life lessons better?”
About Monette: Monette Benoit, an experienced 35+ year court reporter, has taught multiple theories, all academics, speed classes, and 225-homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and community college. Daughter of educators, Monette understands challenges in our multi-faceted, growing industry.
In 1993, she CART captioned for a Deaf mass, San Antonio, Texas. Wonderful opportunities presented from Big D, Little D, Oral Deaf, HOH, hard-of-hearing individuals – special moments.
Monette has worked with thousands of professionals, students, instructors. She’s worked to create new court reporting programs, worked with federal grants, assisted instructors in developing curriculum for in-class and online students. Years ago, she was named the Court Reporting Whisperer by CR students and reporters.
Her confidential tutoring, coaching, has assisted thousands to advance with specific, custom-designed guidance!
Monette’s Musings is an informative, motivational blog for busy individuals seeking to create success –and– to enjoy this special path. Monette’s goal IS your success.
An American RealTime/Captioning Services, LLC: www.ARTCS.com Monette may be contacted www.CRRbooks.com – Monette.purplebooks@CRRbooks.com Blog: www.monettebenoit.com
20 Oct 2021
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, Big D, Career Advancement, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, HOH, home-study, Interpreter, Kevin's Sister, Laney Fox, late deafened, Life Coach, Motivation, Oral Deaf, Real-Time, realtime dictionary, Remote Interpreting, RID Sign Interpreter, SHHH, Sign Interpreters, technology, Tutoring, WKT prep | Tags: Court Reporter Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Mark Cuss Said To The Nymphs: CART Captioning Latin Classes
~~ Originally published in my column “Beyond The Comfort Zone” within NCRA’s Journal of Court Reporting, JCR
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
The phone rang Friday at 2:30. “Would you realtime, CART, a class? We need you Monday morning. It started two months ago. Oh, it’s Latin.”
As an experienced court reporter, instructor, tutor, I’m not lucky enough to get math or physics. The university request was for two semesters. I’d get a textbook Monday. I gulped, accepting the opportunity in 1999.
On Monday morning the student arrived, looked at me and my equipment near her seat, and stopped. I wrote on my computer, “My name is Monette. I’ve been asked to help you. Today will be the worst day I write. I don’t have a textbook yet. We’ll work as a team. I promise I’ll get better.”
The teacher began class. I began Latin.
I kid you not, my first day, the start of my first class: Callisto and the nymphs were having a metamorphosis over the birth of Arcas, Juno and the constellations and Mark Cuss (sic) said to the nymphs …
I’ve receive so many requests for information on how to write, how to CART, Latin. I tease: one prefix, root word, suffix at a time, and lots of fingerspelling. And somehow it translates – well, almost.
That day as each student read, translating sentences, learning declensions and tenses, I stroked sounds. When each student spoke Latin, I wrote, “Student Speaking Latin.”
Later I heard a gasp, and my consumer pointed to my realtime screen. I’d written: “Speaking Spanish.” (I had just finished CARTing to two large screens in one large room, five days for a large international Latino convention.)
I shook my head and wrote, “No, I just drifted. It’s still Latin.”
Immediately, in realtime, mortified, I erased those words from the screen.
But she and I got the giggles. Having begun our team building, we were now in the trenches together.
Writing this article, I asked the consumer’s permission to share how I (try to) realtime Latin.
Laney Fox, toes tapping and filled with energy, insisted on sharing. Laney is deaf, raised oral deaf, and is now learning sign language.
We communicate with realtime, lipreading, sign language and gestures. Somehow it works. At the end of class I give her a rough ASCII disk (verbatim translation) of the entire class. Sometimes I’m reluctant to share it, but we’ve built a strong team communicating with each other and working with the university, instructor.
To provide CART (communication access realtime translation – voice-to-text) in this Latin class, I sit next to Laney with my computer on her desk. We share her text. I point to a selection if a student’s reading. If someone says a word I don’t know, I make a signed hand gesture (usually ASL), and Laney pushes the book to me (we’re sharing a desk for right-handed people; both of us are left-handed). I search for the word, fingerspell it and keep writing.
If the student’s reading from the book, I write, “Reading Latin” and point in the book as the student reads each word. (She likes to follow the class; this is her preference.)
If the student asks a question, I realtime each word to appear on the computer screen. When the professor gives explanations or references, I realtime each word.
Laney makes notes in the text and a notebook and reads my computer screen. As I learn more Latin (actually, sounds), I’m stitching words together. When she’s called upon, Laney translates Latin to English. She answers and asks questions. I stroke Latin phrases.
Sometimes Laney asks, “How do you pronounce that?”
The professor answers in Latin.
I phonetically stroke the word with spaces between sounds. She watches my phonetic translation and reads the word. (I always hold my breath.)
Initially I’d entered sounds in my dictionary when I was preparing to realtime. (I have CARTed to a large screen for St. Francis Di Paola, a Catholic Deaf mass, and various religious, interesting events since 1993.)
Preparing for religious events, I placed sounds with my asterick key, globaling strokes, so when I hit specific keys, they appear as phonetic, English sounds. I now can fingerspell a word faster than stroking it, but when it’s Latin, I have to rely on phonetics.
Sounds help me to help Laney in a Latin university setting at Trinity University.
Laney Fox shares, “Many people think it’s rude to correct a deaf person’s speech. It may be rude for strangers to do that, but after forming a relationship, I think it’s perfectly nice for someone to try to help out a deaf person’s speech.I know many vocabulary words. I simply don’t know how to pronounce them; English is one odd language. The words pronounced do not look the way they are written.”
One weekend I traveled to speak to a state court reporting convention.On my way back, Sunday afternoon, the airplane was canceled. I traveled all night to arrive in San Antonio with only minutes to get to class straight from the airport. I had on yesterday’s clothes.
I wrote, “This is not gonna be pretty; I’ve not slept in two days.”
Laney said, “You don’t have to be good today. It’s OK.”
My heart sang. This is why I do this. I worked so hard to “be good” for Laney.
After class, she said, “You were much better than I thought you were going to be. You were ‘good’ today.”
I sighed and placed my forehead down on the tiny desk on top of my warm computer.
Laney says, “I was so surprised to see Monette come in, telling me she was traveling all night. I would have stayed home and let her go through a class, clueless. After that, I learned her dedication to my involvement in Latin.”
If you want to provide this service, make sure you have a phonetic dictionary you can stroke. Become a confident fingerspeller. Build a rapport with the consumer and teacher. We’ve had challenges. But we’ve worked with gestures, signals and me asking, “Does this make sense?”
Listen for vents that open and close. External sounds interfere when students answer around your seat. Make sure you can hear everyone – front, back and to the side.
Don’t be afraid to tell the class when you have problems. If you can’t hear, others probably can’t hear.
Insist on faculty parking (since we haul heavy equipment, wear and tear dragging our equipment that is bumping over pavement may affect your computer, steno machine). You must have a text and all handouts.
I write all external sounds – sneezing, coughing, birds, stomachs grumbling. I am her ears. If I hear it, I write it.
Keep a sense of humor. Two months into the course, I phoned my dad. Emmett was raised in Jesuit schools, was an altar boy and graduated from Fordham University. He loves Latin.
When I told him about this assignment, he said, “You are in way over your head.”
I laughed and said, “Nope. Gonna do this one, do it well. I’m going to work hard, but I’m going to do this.”
So when I phoned to ask, “What is Ovid, Ovidian?” He howled.
Emmett said, “That’s the author of the huge orange text you’re carrying around. Haven’t you even looked at the cover?”
I laughed, “Nope, been everywhere else, but not the cover.”
After each class I look to Laney. She’s so forgiving and understanding. You must explain how and why words do not translate; why “funnies” pop up. She smirks and giggles when “stuff” appears.
Laney, “I love when we translate Latin stories in class. It’s fun to watch Monette. She frantically waves her arms when she can’t hear. I just love the energy to get me into class discussion.”
If I’d been told I’d be CARTing, realtiming, Latin and giving a rough ASCII verbatim disk to someone in a university classroom, I’d have never believed it. Not in a million years.
But now Marcus, those nymphs, the etymology of Latin with dative, conjugative, ablative, pluperfect, passive prosody applying to dactylic hexameter with basic rules of syntax trans – well, almost.
And it was just my luck to get a Latin honors students with whom I could expand my skills and learn so much about her world.
Today someone asked me how I was doing. I said, “I feel like a character on the I Love Lucy shows.”
The lady replied, “Without the soundtrack?”
Yeah – without the “sound-track”. But I’m looking forward to the final exam. After all, this is Latin.
And Laney Fox was first runner-up in the Deaf Texas Beauty Pageant. Yes, I am honored to be embraced within the deaf and HOH world. She and I are excited to share our passion for this technology with each of you.
Next we write Laney’s experiences and thoughts about receiving CART. Laney, “I want to share to help others. I really do.” Laney insists on sharing – as do I.
Monette, named the Court Reporting Whisperer by students, may be reached: Monette.purplebooks@CRRbooks.com
Purple Books – Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com * Advance skills, pass NCRA and State exams the 1st time
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal, CART Captioner, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Since 1990: Multiple Title Author of Books & Purple Books Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART Captioning Profession
An American RealTime/Captioning Services, LLC: www.ARTCS.com Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RDR, or a State exam? More than once? Purple Books “Done in One” has a 98% successful pass rate on exams with sets as evidenced by thousands of students and professionals who pass their RPR, CSR, and RDR exams on the first test. Testimonials: www.CRRbooks.com.
Reach Your Goals: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29 Where do you want to go? Specific custom-designed guidance will efficiently assist you!
About Monette Benoit: As a 30+ year court reporter, CART captioner, author of NCRA and State test-prep material, instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and 225-homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands challenges many adults face in our industry.
In 1993, she began to CART caption to a large screen for a Deaf mass, San Antonio, Texas. Wonderful opportunities then presented from Big D, Little D, Oral Deaf, HOH consumers -each with special moments.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART captioners, students, instructors. She has helped to create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is an informative, motivational, and funny blog for busy professionals and students who seek to create their success and who seek to enjoy this special path.
02 Apr 2020
Author: monette | Category: 95 % pass rate written exam, ADA, Advocate, ASL, Big D, Captioner, CART/captioning, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, Court Reporter Tutor, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HOH, HV with HCV, Kevin's Sister, Laney Fox, late deafened, Monette's Musings, Motivation, NCRA test prep, Oral Deaf, Real-Time, religious events, The Panama Story, The Texas Spy, Tutor, Tutoring | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Laney’s Latin; Hearing Not Required, CART Captioning University Latin
~~ Originally published in my column “Beyond The Comfort Zone” within NCRA’s Journal of Court Reporting, JCR
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Laney Fox and I became a team, in the trenches, during her first semester in Latin.
Previously, I wrote how I’m CARTing (communication access real-time translation), realtiming, her classes. I am a court reporter, instructor, author, and tutor translating verbatim voice-to-text upon request for Laney.
I’ve watched Laney blossom in Latin!
Her deafness may be viewed by others. Limitations may be viewed by others, but not to Laney. Her world is full of life and possibilities.
We hope our articles inspire others to step onto the branch, to feel the breeze – to create a new dream, to see it grow. Laney has a zest for life and has many dreams. Sharing her world and life, to help others, is important to her. As Laney repeatedly says (toes tapping), “I ‘want’ to help others. I really ‘want’ to help others.”
Laney was born healthy; she had her hearing. She became deaf approximately near 13 months old, possibly from a 24-hour virus/fever. They are not “entirely positive.”
Laney was mainstreamed into her first “hearing school” during fourth grade after nine years of oral education at C.I.C., Central Institute of the Deaf, in St. Louis.
Her parents relocated the family to Baltimore after a job promotion. “So it was decided that I remain in the C.I.C. dorms for another year to continue my education to speak,” says Laney. “However, I was not happy at the dorms. So I left to join my family. My parents told me that they decided to raise me orally first to see if this was the best method for me to grow up with. They said if I wasn’t happy being orally raised, they would have taken me out of C.I.C. and enrolled me in a signing school. My parents were not trying to make me ‘hearing,’ as some people assume. My parents just wanted to see what was the best way to go.”
“When they saw that I was living a happy childhood with many other children, they decided to continue with this method. They simply did not see the need to teach me sign language when they saw that I was doing well in school and sports.”
“I chose to learn sign language in my senior year of high school. I wanted to see what it was like to communicate through sign language.
My parents didn’t hold me back; they were totally supportive, but still to this day my parents don’t know sign language. This doesn’t bother me. It just allows me to participate in both worlds.”
“If I had a choice, I would have gone a slightly different way. I would have chosen to teach a deaf child sign language when the child is in middle school (after the language acquisition period closes … to ensure that the child’s speech doesn’t deteriorate) to allow the child to communicate the best way that a child can. At least the child would know how to communicate through the hearing world and the deaf world.”
“I think children should learn both ways for total communication. Parents should not let the child place more emphasis on sign language. Parents should work more on oral speaking throughout childhood. It’s important that children are able to speak, so they have a choice in their communication when they enter the real world.”
I asked Laney to describe her Latin experiences with a CART captioner. When I first appeared, Laney -had not received any notice from my Friday afternoon request to this Monday morning class – walked in, took one look at my equipment, stopped in her tracks.
“Let’s say I wasn’t expecting a captioner who was so dedicated to help me learn and ‘hear’ Latin,” Laney says.
“Some high school teachers knew that it was hard for me to understand them in lecture tone. When I was in high school, I took Latin for three years. But I always felt that I was missing out something (which I did because I failed the Latin placement test after three years of Latin!). I’d come into the class prepared with my version of the story and try to gather all corrections from other students. The teacher never corrected my versions.”
“However, I had many questions for the teacher after class. I think sometimes they were the same questions asked in class because he seemed frustrated when I kept asking questions about the translations or the lecture. I don’t think he ever truly understood my deafness. Anyway, I always depended on the students to tell me whether mine was right or wrong. In fact, I had a student, David; I would give him my translations. Then he would correct mine, and return my translations with all kinds of errors marked. He helped me for one year in (high school) Latin. I am grateful for his generosity.”
Laney had to deal with another problem. “I never heard the other students’ questions, translations or the professor’s corrections,” she explains.
“All of my learning relied on my own translations for three years. Throughout this time I didn’t know sign language; I didn’t have anyone to sign to me.”
“In my first semester at this university, Trinity, I’d write out translations before I went to class and have someone look over them. I was rather lucky in this class; there’s an excellent book that contains all the information lectured by the professor. I also had a notetaker, so I had more help than I was accustomed to.”
Laney was enrolled in Latin for two months before I was asked to CART (Communication Access Real Time Translation) caption for her (on a Friday afternoon) and give her a rough ASCII disk at the end of each class (beginning the following Monday morning).
The CART assistance has been a boon, per Laney and her instructor.
Laney says, “Now I enjoy class tremendously when we’re translating stories (instead of lecture days).”
“It’s more fun to watch Monette trying to get everything. When she can’t hear, she flaps her arms around. She also taps my shoulder to grab my attention for her corrections on her screen. I just love her energy to get me into class discussion.”
And when I could not hear, we changed rooms. And when the students could hear doors loudly squeaking, and I had to keep writing “doors squeaking,” the doors were oiled, per my request. The university, professor and students have all become part of this CART captioning team.
As I sweated and struggled to realtime Latin, I talked to Laney about my work, explained why ‘stuff’ popped up correctly – or not. Laney appreciated the information about my experiences in court reporting.
“I didn’t know what to really expect from a captioner. But when Monette Benoit told me that ‘all’ court reporters want to strive to be the best, I was very impressed. When she would get upset with the CART equipment, computer screen, at first I didn’t understand why she would get so frustrated.”
“I was so happy that I could at least have an idea of what everyone else was talking about. It didn’t matter whether you mistyped ‘declension’ or whatever. I now knew what was going on. I am entirely grateful for Monette’s help in showing the pronunciations of the words I was unfamiliar with.”
Laney is enrolled full-time at Trinity University and attends sign language classes once a week in the evening. She volunteers with Best Buddies (a program for people who are mentally retarded). “I just take my Best Buddy out to have some fun,” she says.
And what does Laney want to do with her life?
“My plans for the future are to become a veterinarian. I would love to be able to understand animals and be able to communicate with them. I am amazed how animals and humans can still communicate through body language, even without speaking. I would love to learn many more things about animals and perhaps help the world understand more about the animals we know so little about.”
So, do you want to help others?
Our wish is that you will want to help others – and yourself.
This is a great time to be a court reporter and work with deaf, hard-of-hearing people. Life is good! Hearing, sound, is not required to expand your life, to blossom and to grow. Just ask Laney Fox. She’d really like to “hear” from you.
Monette, named the Court Reporting Whisperer by students, may be reached: Monette.purplebooks@CRRbooks.com
Purple Books – Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com * Advance skills, pass NCRA and State exams the 1st time
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal, CART Captioner, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Since 1990: Multiple Title Author of Books & Purple Books Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART Captioning Profession
An American RealTime/Captioning Services, LLC: www.ARTCS.com Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RDR, or a State exam? More than once? Purple Books “Done in One” has a 98% successful pass rate on exams with sets as evidenced by thousands of students and professionals who pass their RPR, CSR, and RDR exams on the first test. Testimonials: www.CRRbooks.com.
Reach Your Goals: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29 Where do you want to go? Specific custom-designed guidance will efficiently assist you!
About Monette Benoit: As a 30+ year court reporter, CART captioner, author of NCRA and State test-prep material, instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and 225-homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands challenges many adults face in our industry.
In 1993, she began to CART caption to a large screen for a Deaf mass, San Antonio, Texas. Wonderful opportunities then presented from Big D, Little D, Oral Deaf, HOH consumers -each with special moments.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART captioners, students, instructors. She has helped to create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is an informative, motivational, and funny blog for busy professionals and students who seek to create their success and who seek to enjoy this special path.
30 Mar 2020
Author: monette | Category: ADA, ASL, Big D, Captioner, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, CART provider, CART/captioning, Certify NCRA RPR Test Prep, Coach, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, Court Reporter Tutor, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, HOH, home-study, HV with HCV, Interpreter, late deafened, Life Coach, Management, Motivation, NCRA, Oral Deaf, pass tests, RDR CSR CCR, Real-Time, religious events, Remote Interpreting, RID Sign Interpreter, SHHH, Sign Interpreters, The Panama Story, time managment, Tutoring, WKT prep, Written Exam | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
She Never Speaks; She Spoke To You; Why Can’t She Just Learn English? She’s ‘only’ Deaf
~~ Originally published in my column “Beyond The Comfort Zone” within NCRA’s Journal of Court Reporting, JCR
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
One morning in June, I got an early start. The store was near empty. I had me a 2007 Christmas gift certificate. My mission: new dish towels. I went to the kitchen area. This was easier than I thought.
Avoiding clearance racks, I saw the perfect T-shirt on a shelf. I debated — must I? Ahead of schedule I stepped to my left just to look. I spotted a woman who had her head down and was folding a mountain of clothes scattered over a metal table. And I’m talking marine-inspection folding.
The woman looked up; I smiled politely. She nodded and continued folding. I paused long and deliberately before I decided to see if she was the person I thought she might be.
With one motion I made a gesture that often -only Deaf recognize. (It works very well, folks, Big D.) She tilted her head and smiled. Then her eyes sparkled. She did a small dance, head down, hands high in the air, before launching herself over that table to me.
I have not seen Stephie in ten years. Stephie is deaf, lives within the Big D-Deaf world.
I shook out my hands, signing, “Need put down purse. Signing rusty.” Placing my purse, towels on the table, planting my feet on the floor, standing tall, shoulders back, I began to (silently) talk with Stephie.
When I paused to sign or fingerspell, she signed with me, waiting while I struggled or correcting me (so very nice) as needed. This woman, who does not speak, began to laugh. Signing, she began to voice (words) and have sudden outbursts of sounds (words).
As I turned, I spotted employees watching. Customers approached, smiled at me (but not us), and then turned away. I asked Stephie if she might get in trouble for speaking to me. She laughed, “Nope.”
I asked if anyone in the store spoke or signed to her. “No,” she replied.
I asked how she communicates with her co-workers. Only her manager does – and only as needed. Then he ‘writes’ details on a small pad. I asked how she communicates with customers.
Stephie said that she tries to help, but “customers turn away, not responding.”
I winced. But Stephie beamed, stroking my face and hand, “I found you!”
In my rush that morning, I did not put on my wedding ring. She knows my husband from the years he was my “roadie” (his term) every Sunday when I CARTed to St. Frances Di Paola’s large screen for the Deaf mass. Stephie reached for my ringless hand, holding my ringless finger.
She shrugged and with hands in the air, she voiced loudly, “Sorry. It happens.”
I doubled over with laughter. Stephie then voiced, “Oops.”
This Deaf community is tight. When a hearing person is embraced into the Deaf world, it is an honor. In 1993, an elder within the Deaf community, gifted me with a sign name and named me “Our Token Hearing Girl” sharing my CART skills, learning from their culture. Oh, we have funny moments and memories.
Our conversation lasted 20 minutes. Now I was late. We exchanged information.
I signed, “Late. Must go.” She understood. Good-bye lasted 10 minutes with hugs, she touching my arm, my hand.
One employee who watched Stephie and I pointed to her register. I’m still holding only dish towels. Easy, right?
Anna looks like Priscilla Presley, early 1960s. She takes my towels and said, “She spoke to you.”
I blinked and looked at her hair and eye makeup.
Anna, “She spoke to you.”
I smiled, “We’re old friends.”
Anna paused, then leaned on her register, “She spoke to you. I heard her. She said words ‘to’ you.”
I smiled, “Stephie’s deaf. She communicates with sign language. How much do I owe?”
Anna, “She never speaks; she spoke to you. I don’t understand her. I’d like to …”
I almost put my forehead on that register counter. I’m thinking, “Please, God, don’t let this be a mini-deaf sensitivity seminar. I need to head to my office. I have court reporters and court reporting students confirmed for tutoring this morning and afternoon. Peter Rabbit here must run.”
Anna whispered, “You spoke to her. She understood you. She ‘heard’ you. How does that happen?”
I exhaled slowly without sighing. I looked to the people behind me and asked, “Anyone in a hurry?”
Each person (a first) shook their head.
Customers replied, “I have all the time in the world.”
“I’ve always wanted to learn about sign language — those deaf mutes.”
When I looked up — as I knew would be — Stephie watched, head down. She understood. I made eye contact with Stephie and smiled.
I slowly began my mini-seminar. “Stephie is an intelligent woman to work in a place where no one speaks her language – or will try.”
Anna asked, “But why do her words come up in wrong places?”
Me, “Well, Anna, her language ASL, American Sign Language, is a conceptual language created by hearing people long ago in France.”
Anna, “Why can’t she read lips? She stays to herself. She seems nice.”
I asked, “Has anyone here ever sat with her in the break room?” Anna shook her head. “Stephie wants to communicate,” I said.
Anna earnestly, “But sometimes her words don’t sound like English, yet you understood what she was saying. I watched. You two had a real conversation. Some words are louder than they should be. Can’t she just learn English?”
I winced. Calmly, I took a deep breath, shared tips about Big D, Deaf, sign language. “Stephie does know English. Her first language is ASL.”
Placing my towels in a store bag, I asked for the total. Customers leaned forward to listen when Anna whispered, “I wish I was brave enough to do what you did with her.”
Slowly counting to myself, I softly replied, “Start with one word. When you see her on break, coming into work or leaving, start with one word.”
I showed Anna several signs (and a few funny slang signs) to encourage and motivate her. I added, “And it’s fun.”
Anna finally totaled those dang towels and said, “Thank you for helping deaf people and for taking time to help us – who wish we could understand them.”
Me, “But you can.”
Anna, “No, no, I wish I could, but I can’t. Thank you for helping me and for helping us to understand.”
With one quick, shy motion, Anna raced around the counter and hugged me. Then she sprinted back to her register. Customers then thanked me “for helping those people.” I avoided sighing.
I closed the seminar, “Deaf have a wonderful culture with a beautiful language. We must learn from each other.”
I slowly looked down the aisle; I knew she was watching. Stephie nodded. She understood. I signed good-bye to Anna. Overhand I signed (the personal) “I love you” to Stephie. I took my towels and departed with my head down. I wondered what I could have or should have said to her coworkers to have had a more positive result.
Then a large UPS truck flew past me. Stopping on a dime, the driver leaned out the doorless truck and waved overhand. I blinked. Last year, he was stung by a bee at his previous delivery. He’s allergic to bees. After I signed for my delivery I treated his neck ‘timing’ to see if his bee reaction would need hospitalization.
While watching this UPS shorts-wearing dude with dark eyeglasses, energetically waving overhand to me, I thought about Anna and how wonderful it was to have found Stephie. I thanked God for life’s grand memory-moments.
Then like the little Peter Rabbit, this bunny went back to her world – thankful for Stephie’s friendship and her laughter that morning.
I phoned the sign interpreter Stephie requested, sharing Stephie’s message.
My friend howled with laughter, “Dish towels with a 2007 Christmas certificate? Oh, Monette, you need to shop for better things. What ya doing tomorrow? Let’s meet there, see Stephie. Let’s go have us some real fun over there.”
Perhaps we did; perhaps we did. Stephie and I wish Happy Holidays to each of you and your families.
—-Monette, named the Court Reporting Whisperer by students, may be reached: Monette.purplebooks@CRRbooks.com
Purple Books – Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com * Advance skills, pass NCRA and State exams the 1st time
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal, CART Captioner, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Since 1990: Multiple Title Author of Books & Purple Books Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART Captioning Profession
An American RealTime/Captioning Services, LLC: www.ARTCS.com Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RDR, or a State exam? More than once? Purple Books “Done in One” has a 98% successful pass rate on exams with sets as evidenced by thousands of students and professionals who pass their RPR, CSR, and RDR exams on the first test. Testimonials: www.CRRbooks.com.
Reach Your Goals: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29 Where do you want to go? Specific custom-designed guidance will efficiently assist you!
About Monette Benoit: As a 30+ year court reporter, CART captioner, author of NCRA and State test-prep material, instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and 225-homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands challenges many adults face in our industry.
In 1993, she began to CART caption to a large screen for a Deaf mass, San Antonio, Texas. Wonderful opportunities then presented from Big D, Little D, Oral Deaf, HOH consumers -each with special moments.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART captioners, students, instructors. She has helped to create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is an informative, motivational, and funny blog for busy professionals and students who seek to create their success and who seek to enjoy this special path.
18 Mar 2020
Author: monette | Category: 98% First-Time Pass Rate With Core Strength-Building, court reporter certification, Court reporting students, HCV, Test Prep, WKT prep | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Cracking The Code To Testing And Passing Court Reporting Certifications, Part One
~~ Originally published in my column “Beyond The Comfort Zone” within NCRA’s Journal of Court Reporting, JCR
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved
Cracking the code to tests and certifications is more than a metaphor.
Expanding our vision and our goals are part of our path as court reporters, the keeper of the record, historical conservator, and protector of spoken words.
If you are focused on changing your life, you are having internal conversations. As an experienced court reporter, tutor, coach and CART provider, I truly believe one can create and transform his or her goals.
For 25+ years, I have been honored to assist students (to include home-study individuals), CART captioners and court reporters to earn their national, NCRA, and state certification tests.
My students have been my greatest teachers, my leaders.
Your success is my goal.
I have authored a textbook, workbooks and a companion study guide to assist individuals to pass their NCRA and state court reporting certification exams the first time they register with Purple Books Complete Set, 4 books, and Trio Set, 3 books. We also assist students, captioners and court reporters to build and to expand their realtime and captioning dictionary with ‘CATapult Your Dictionary CDs’.
Thousands of students and court reporters have worked with CRR Books (Court Reporter Reference Books www.CRRbooks.com).
CRR Books has organized focused information on how to pass a NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, RPR and RDR, written knowledge examination – known as the ‘WKT’ since 1990.
States also have CSR, CCR certification examinations for court reporters. CRR Books,Purple Books has successfully assisted individuals there, too.
So you want to pass a test? My desire is to help you to shift your awareness.
If you want to pass a test in a court reporting program or a national certification test, ‘wanting’ is not enough.
You need to prep with deliberate, focused intentions, conscious actions.
Recently, I received requests on how to prep from applicant test-takers for NCRA, California, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Florida, New Mexico, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona state examinations.
I desire to gift you with tips, information to focus your internal compass.
Thousands of students and reporters have accomplished huge goals – one step at a time, one step, one step – sometimes only in one tiny step – then there’s a wobble.
Now is the time to prepare your stimulus plan.
Now is the time to hone your conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions to crack the code to pass your test.
I firmly believe one-step-at-a-time awareness is where you find greatest progress.
Even a step back is a step. This awareness is essential to your code, your internal compass.
Okay. So you registered to take a NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, or a state court reporting certification test? Or maybe not yet, but soon?
Are you enrolled in a court reporting school or home study program?
You now have an opportunity to stretch your boundaries. Stretching is good.
Be gentle and remain focused on this goal, which is easier said than done – I know.
Many students and working court reporters can see and taste this lap while pedaling with an already busy schedule.
Below are tips to successfully crack your code — tips I coach to help many, many in your (busy) shoes. Part II will be added to assist you.
Nutrition Code Tips: Consciously focus on your blood sugar with smart eating, snacking. Vitamins are essential to preparing physical and mental compass charting of your code.
Carbohydrates create long-term energy while pasta and rice ensure your body functions at peak performance.
Proteins create short-term energy and if (when) you balance carbohydrates and proteins, you’re in athletic training. Hydrate ‘you’ (yourself) with water, perhaps green tea, Gatorade-type drinks. Sodas taste good, but many cause dehydration with additives and sugar. Stress contributes to depleting fluids. Avoid dehydrating your body; instead drink water and other helpful fluids.
Body, Toes, Fingertips Code Tips:Wear comfortable clothes, footwear. This awareness tip should be incorporated into your daily routine to prep for a court reporting (or any) test.
If you are taking a machine portion of any test, your fingertips (nails) must function at peak performance. Many students and reporters have manicures. I softly share that now is not the time to test a new length or style. What works best for you? Use that.
Radar Code Tips: As you move closer to your scheduled test, I want you to specifically notice your energy-awareness.
Code-cracking includes becoming aware that you may be more sensitive at work and school with family and yourself. Some call this “cranky,” but I prefer “sensitive.” This is normal. Once you are aware this energy is part of your preparation, you can acknowledge the awareness, and then let these test prep code tips work for you. I know you can learn a lot about yourself as you hone and fine-tune your radar, your sensitivity meter.
Inspiration Code Tips: Take time for you. Have you listened to a favorite CD? Is there a movie where you find inspiration? Have you laughed recently? When we focus on a long-term goal, I firmly believe it is the little moments (note it’s plural) in our world wherein we most effectively gain momentum toward our goal.
Common Sense Code Tips: Pack equipment – and you – before the test. Avoid gassing the car en route. Make sure there is no construction near the site. I coach that you should be packed by mid-afternoon the day before. This ensures reducing, “Dang, where did I put …?”
Oxygen Code Tips: Stretch and breathe. When stressed, we sit with our shoulders hunched up and breathe shallowly. (Every time I proofed this sentence I noticed I was not breathing evenly.)
Consciously focus on a steady rhythm of evenly breathing in and breathing out to maximize your body’s ability to work for you.
Focus on regulating your breath. If your voice is higher than normal, you are shallow breathing. Become aware of your breath. Your body will respond with a good-sized release of stressed energy. Tip: The more oxygen your brain receives, the better you function.
Nest Code Tips: Ah, sleep. Focus on your nesting routine. The final two nights before the test, I suggest taking a warm bath or shower, curling up with a human, pet, or book, and being quiet. In your quiet moments and quiet rituals, you will find great focus, comfort. This is how you recharge.
Toxic Decoding – Code Tips: Avoid high maintenance people – really. We all know people who have toxic moments. If someone has multiple toxic moments, focus on removing your energy (you). You want to be comforted and remain focused. When there are multiple pulls (drains) for your energy, your internal compass will recognize the problem. It does. Please remember you earned the right to this peaceful, focused prep toward your goal.
Realtime Focus Code Tips: The morning of your test, consciously monitor fluids. Caffeine takes you up in an energy burst; then drops you when the burst has bust.
I coach that each person should pack red grapes and a packet of non-salted pretzels and nuts. There is an amazing abundance of energy in red grapes and snacks.
(The last time I went to the movies my mother whispered, “Want some?” I tilted my head, looked to her hand in my ribs. She held a small bag of red grapes and two paper towels. Mom, “They are so good, and quiet, too.” I softly groaned and looked to where my dad sat. He shrugged, slowly shaking his head as my mother handed me red grapes in a paper towel. Mom added, “And I washed them.”)
Red grapes are portable and good for you – at the movies or within a test site. Yes, I know food is not allowed. But you can snack at appropriate times. You can. Do.
Entrance Code Tips: When you enter your testing site, consciously arrive with your shoulders back and chin up. If this is a return walk, focus on the now. If this is your virgin stroll, a click of your fingers or a sacred moment in prayer may serve you to focus. Now is where you need to be.
People Red-Alert Code Tips: Avoid huddled groups and agitated chatting. Specifically avoid anyone who asks: “What does this mean?” “How do you write…?” “How many times did it take you to …?” Now is your time. You need to consciously remain focused on your code, your test prep awareness.
Understanding Code Awareness: When you consciously perform at your peak and focus on your success, with step-by-step awareness, you can achieve greater results with less effort – with less stress, resulting in greater success. You will.
Your internal compass will guide you. It will.
This month I shared tips to add for deliberate, conscious thoughts and actions. Next month, I share tips on what to eliminate with part two of Cracking The Code To Testing and Court Reporting Certifications.
— Monette, named the Court Reporting Whisperer by students, may be reached: Monette.purplebooks@CRRbooks.com
Purple Books – Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com * Advance skills, pass NCRA and State exams the 1st time
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal, CART Captioner, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Since 1990: Multiple Title Author of Books & Purple Books Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART Captioning Profession
An American RealTime/Captioning Services, LLC: www.ARTCS.com Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RDR, or a State exam? More than once? Purple Books “Done in One” has a 98% successful pass rate on exams with sets as evidenced by thousands of students and professionals who pass their RPR, CSR, and RDR exams on the first test. Testimonials: www.CRRbooks.com.
Reach Your Goals: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29 Where do you want to go? Specific custom-designed guidance will efficiently assist you!
About Monette Benoit: As a 30+ year court reporter, CART captioner, author of NCRA and State test-prep material, instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and 225-homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands challenges many adults face in our industry.
In 1993, she began to CART caption to a large screen for a Deaf mass, San Antonio, Texas. Wonderful opportunities then presented from Big D, Little D, Oral Deaf, HOH consumers -each with special moments.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART captioners, students, instructors. She has helped to create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is an informative, motivational, and funny blog for busy professionals and students who seek to create their success and who seek to enjoy this special path.
03 Mar 2020
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 98% First-Time Pass Rate With Core Strength-Building, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, NCRA RPR Test Prep WKT skills RMR RDR CSR CCR, Students, WKT prep
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Monette.Purplebooks@CRRbooks.com www.CRRbooks.com
14 Sep 2019
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 98% First-Time Pass Rate With Core Strength-Building, CART/captioning, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, court reporting tests, home-study, NCRA prep, NCRA RPR Test Prep WKT skills RMR RDR CSR CCR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
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Tests change. Exam questions and multiple choices are not repeated. Plus, exam fees are pricey.
Updated, expanded text chapters: Test-Taking Tips, Focus; Legal, Latin Terminology; Court Reporting Rules; English, Grammar, Vocabulary, Misused Words, Definitions; Medical Information; Computer Terminology, Technology, CRC Prep, Ethics, Windows, NCRA COPE Advisory Opinions; Review
98% successful ‘Done In One’ pass rate continues on NCRA’s RPR, RDR, and State CSR WKT material when Purple Books study sets are a primary source. Plus, you join thousands of students and court reporters who earned their RPR, CSR, and the elite RDR certification with Purple Books test-prep.
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Since 1990, time-tested, proven in the classroom with educators and with independent study —
students and court reporters continue to write “best investment — ever.”
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RPR, RDR, and state CSR candidates focus on the popular “Complete Test Prep Set” that includes: the Textbook, Workbook (*2,002 practice questions), Companion Guide (cross-references every word in the workbook’s 2,002 multiple-choice questions), and RealTime Vocabulary Workbook.
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Students and professionals also seek tutoring and career counseling with Monette Benoit, named the Court Reporting Whisperer by students. No two people are alike. Customized sessions are created. Start today.
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‘Done In One’ Testimonials, Pricing online: www.CRRbooks.com
22 Nov 2017
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 98% Success Rate With Complete Set; Done In One, and State CSR Test Prep, CART FAQ, Certify NCRA RPR Test Prep WKT skills RMR RDR CSR CCR, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court reporting students, Court Reporting Whisperer, CSR RPR, Monette's Musings, NCRA Court Reporters, RDR, Written Knowledge Test
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
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Pedagogically sound, covering a wealth of material with facts, tips, and information the Purple Books are time-tested and proven in the classroom with educators and with independent study
Study the only textbook and textbook package for NCRA’s RPR, RDR, and State CSRs.
Now, the Purple Books is the only material available for NCRA’s RDR written exam.
The 7th edition textbook for NCRA’s RPR, RDR, State exams, New York’s Civil Service Exam, with the NCRA CRC Primer by Monette Benoit, an instructor, tutor, career coach, and CART Captioner contains updated, expanded chapters: Test-Taking Tips, Focus, Grammar, Technology, NCRA COPE Advisory Opinions, and Ethics. Detailed chapters include Legal and Latin Terminology, Court Reporting Rules, Grammar, Punctuation, Vocabulary, Misused Words, Definitions, Medical Terminology, and Review.
NCRA RPR, RDR, and State CSR candidates focus on the popular “Complete Test Prep Set” that includes: *Textbook, **Companion Workbook (*2,002 practice questions), ***Companion Guide (cross references every word in the workbook’s 2,002 multiple-choice questions), and the ****RealTime Vocabulary Workbook.
Questions and multiple choices on exams are not repeated, so don’t try memorizing them. Instead, learn how to take the test!
Thousands of students, novice and long-time reporters advance skills with Purple Books, CRR Books, Test-Prep Material.
Students and professionals also seek tutoring and career counseling with Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer. No two people are alike. Custom sessions are created, per your requests. Start today. Plan and prepare now. Monette wants to help you.
CRRbooks.com Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Career Coach,
Multiple-Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting and CART Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Purple Books, Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Tutoring and career coaching topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and career coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, create new possibilities, advance their career, author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exams and for their career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART Captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Career Coaching http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
- No two are alike. Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
13 Feb 2017
Author: monette | Category: 98% First-Time Pass Rate With Core Strength-Building, Career Advancement, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, Monette Benoit, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: "CSR", "The Purple Books", 98% Success Rate With the "Complete Set"; Done In One with NCRA's RPR, and State CSRs, Court reporting tutor and coach for students and working court reporters, Court Reporting Whisperer, Monette Benoit, RDR, Test Prep with Core Strength-Building, www.crrbooks.com, www.monettebenoit.com, “NCRA WKT”
‘Push-Ups Focus’ on the “Complete Set” and “Trio Set” for NCRA’s RPR, RDR, and State CSRs. Why Push-Ups?
Push-ups work the entire body and support core strength.
The “Purple Books” strengthen and build core support with detailed structure that has been proven in the classroom and independent study for 25 years.
98% first-time pass rates for NCRA RPR, RDR, and State CSR exams with test-prep material that covers full pages of information. ~~Full Pages = Full Focus. ~~
Working to the same goal, students, novice and veteran reporters benefit from building full, core support with the “Purple Books” from www.CRRbooks.com
Only Test Once! ~~BE DONE IN ONE for NCRA’s RPR, RDR, and State CSRs.
Look at what we offer: www.CRRbooks.com – “Purple Books” detailed material, cross-referencing, terms, topics.
Structured prep material that improves skills. Test-Taking Tips; Legal, Latin, and Court Terminology; Court Reporting Rules; English and Grammar; Frequently Misspelled Words; Grammar Glossary; Frequently Misused Words, Definitions; Medical Prefixes, Suffixes, Fractures, Definitions; Computer Terminology, Technology, NCRA COPE Advisory Opinions; More.
My ‘push-up’ is to continue to help YOU! Online testimonials are included by leaders, teachers, reporters, students …Bring it. ~
Please share this announcement with students, teachers, court reporters, and ‘like’ our FB page, Court Reporter Reference Books, RPR, RDR, CSR, Tutoring, Career Counseling.
Monette, named the Court Reporting Whisperer by students, may be reached: Monette.purplebooks@CRRbooks.com
Purple Books – Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com * Advance skills, pass NCRA and State exams the 1st time
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal, CART Captioner, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Since 1990: Multiple Title Author of Books & Purple Books Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART Captioning Profession
An American RealTime/Captioning Services, LLC: www.ARTCS.com Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RDR, or a State exam? More than once? Purple Books “Done in One” has a 98% successful pass rate on exams with sets as evidenced by thousands of students and professionals who pass their RPR, CSR, and RDR exams on the first test. Testimonials: www.CRRbooks.com.
Reach Your Goals: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29 Where do you want to go? Specific custom-designed guidance will efficiently assist you!
About Monette Benoit: As a 30+ year court reporter, CART captioner, author of NCRA and State test-prep material, instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and 225-homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands challenges many adults face in our industry.
In 1993, she began to CART caption to a large screen for a Deaf mass, San Antonio, Texas. Wonderful opportunities then presented from Big D, Little D, Oral Deaf, HOH consumers -each with special moments.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART captioners, students, instructors. She has helped to create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is an informative, motivational, and funny blog for busy professionals and students who seek to create their success and who seek to enjoy this special path.
01 Jun 2016
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", CART/captioning, Certify NCRA RPR Test Prep WKT skills RMR RDR CSR CCR, Coaching, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporting Whisperer, Monette's Musings, Test Prep, www.CRRbooks.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October’s NCRA’s RPR, RDR, and State CSR written exams are right around the corner. Currently, registration periods are open.
Plan now! Prepare now to become one of the 98% successful pass rate by students, court reporters, and CART Captioners on the RPR, RDR, and State CSR exams.
Pedagogically sound, covering a wealth of material with facts, tips, and information, the Purple Books from CRRbooks.com are time-tested and
proven in the classroom with educators and with independent study
RPR, RDR, and State CSR candidates focus on the popular “Full Test Prep Set” that includes: Textbook, Workbook (*2,002 practice test questions), Companion Study Guide (cross-references every word in the workbook’s 2,002 multiple-choice questions), and RealTime Vocabulary Workbook.
Questions and multiple choices on exams are not repeated, so don’t try memorizing them. Instead, learn how to take the test!
Study the only textbook and textbook package for the RPR and now the only material available for the RDR exam.
RPR and CSR candidates: “Full Test Prep Set” and “Trio Test Prep” are detailed online.
RDR candidates have two choices to earn the most elite certification within our court reporting profession: “Full Test Prep Set” — or the updated, revised Complete Test Prep Textbook, 6th edition, and RealTime Vocabulary Workbook.
Testimonials are online — from students, instructors, program directors,
CART Captioners, novice and senior court reporters.
CRRbooks.com is committed to helping you to Get ‘er Done in Just One.
CRR Books released the revised and updated Complete NCRA RPR, RDR, and State CSR Written Test Prep Textbook, Sixth Edition, 2015.
The text by Monette Benoit, an instructor, tutor, career coach, and CART Captioner, contains updated, expanded chapters covering: Test-Taking Tips, Focus, Grammar, Technology, NCRA COPE Advisory Opinions, and Ethics. Detailed chapters include: Legal and Latin Terminology, Court Reporting Rules, Grammar, Punctuation, Vocabulary, Misused Words, Definitions, Medical Terminology, and Review.
Thousands of students and novice and long-time reporters advance skills with CRR Books Test Prep Material. Students and professionals also seek tutoring and career counseling with Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer. No two people are alike. Custom sessions are created. Start today. Plan and prepare now! Monette wants to help you.
www.CRRbooks.com Monette@CRRbooks.com
14 Sep 2015
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 95 % pass rate written exam, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, court reporting test prep, court reporting tests, Court Reporting Whisperer, Monette Benoit, NCRA RPR Test Prep WKT skills RMR RDR CSR CCR, Written Knowledge Test, www.CRRbooks.com
Press Release NCRA RPR, RDR, and State CSR Exams
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
98% successful pass rate by students and court reporters on NCRA’s RPR, RDR, and on State CSR written exams.
Court Reporter Reference Books has released the revised and updated Complete NCRA RPR, RDR, and State CSR Written Test Prep Textbook, Sixth Edition. This textbook is available now on www.CRRbooks.com.
This is the most complete written test prep textbook available to students, teachers, and to novice and veteran court reporters.
The textbook by Monette Benoit, an instructor, tutor, career coach, and CART Captioner, has updated and expanded chapters:
Test-Taking Tips, Focus, Grammar, Technology, NCRA COPE Advisory Opinions, and Ethics.
Detailed chapters include: Legal and Latin Terminology, Court Reporting Rules, Grammar, Punctuation, Vocabulary, Misused Words, Definitions, Medical Terminology, and Review.
The popular “Test Prep Set” includes a 4-volume set:
1. Textbook, 6th Edition, Revised, Updated for NCRA’s RPR, RDR, and State CSR;
2. Workbook, (with approximately 2,002 practice test questions and answer key);
3. Companion Study Guide (cross-references every word in the workbook to learn ‘how’ to take a test and specifically ‘how’ to answer a question with multiple choice a-b-c-d);
4. RealTime Vocabulary Workbook (expands vocabulary growth with word recognition and comprehension to help students and reporters know how to identify and how to build words)
*** NCRA’s RDR test candidates successfully use the only textbook and only realtime vocabulary workbook to earn the most elite RDR, Registered, Diplomate Reporter, certification within the court reporting profession.
“Get ‘Er Done In Just One” – Study the “purple books” that are pedagogically sound and cover a wealth of material with facts and information. Testimonials from students, instructors, and court reporters are online for you to review.
All material is time-tested, proven for both the classroom and independent study.
CRRbooks.com lists complete details.
13 Apr 2015
Author: monette | Category: Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, Court Reporting Whisperer, HCV, Kevin Drue Donnelly, Life Coach, Test Prep, The Panama Story, Tutor, Uncategorized | Tags: CNN, Criminal Court, Dr. Vincent Di Maio, Expert Witness, Forensics, M.E., Medical Examiner, Texas, Zimmerman Trial
Dr. Vincent Di Maio, Expert Witness, Part II of III
By Monette Benoit,
All Rights Reserved.
Part I began: Dr. Vincent Di Maio recently testified as a forensic pathologist for the defense in the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman. He is consistently described “as a legend.” Watching Dr. Di Maio on CNN’s live coverage, he detailed his background, and his work as Chief Medical Examiner, M.E., for Bexar County, Texas.
For the court reporter, he said, “It is spelled B-e-x-a-r and pronounced ‘bear’ ” …
Dr. Di Maio is recognized in San Antonio for his forensic work as our M.E., his testimony in court, for teaching at UTSA, and for his many professional and personal contributions.
Our paths crossed early 1980s when he was considered “new” in Bexar County. One morning I learned Dr. Di Maio was called as an expert witness and M.E. to testify in a criminal trial I was reporting. Professionals approached me, “He knows his work; you’ll have to interrupt. He’s fast.”
I looked to the 12-person jury seated on this murder trial; Dr. Di Maio entered…
During a bench conference, he asked if I was okay. Due to his reputation as a fast speaker, which he acknowledged, and his attention to exacting detail I gave him a hand gesture that I was okay. (Perhaps the gesture could be interpreted as “faster.” I remember his laughter.)
He finished his qualifications and M.E. details. He was accepted as an expert by the attorneys and court. Testimony began.
Part II of III
Technology then was color photographs on art easels; a school teacher’s pointer was used by attorneys.
During a prolonged off-the-record discussion, Dr. Di Maio leaned over to privately speak to me.
He paused, and said, “It’s nice to work with you, Miss Reporter. You can call me Vinnie.”
I blinked hard. He repeated his words, “Please. Call me Vinnie when you can.”
Solemnly, I watched the judge. I did not respond or react.
It was a day that continued to stun me.
Within the courtroom I heard my father cough.
My parents traveled to each city in which I worked. They would “appear” in a courtroom. My father would cough once. My parents enjoyed this. Me? Never. (Judges had me readback arraignments, indictments, testimony, and voire dire while they were in the courtroom, so “your parents can see and hear how their money is invested.”)
That day when I heard my father’s cough, I scanned the crowded courtroom.
When I saw my parents I hung my head. Sweat began to flow from my palms and fingers.
Dr. Di Maio was testifying in exact detail about the decedent’s heart during the (his) autopsy and how the defendant had killed said decedent with a single wound to the heart.
I was stroking word, word, word … thinking, “Do not think about parents. Think word.”
As the nature of the trial turned to sexual details, I heard a loud gasp.
I saw my mother stand and place her hands over her ears.
She said, “I did not raise my daughter to listen to things like this!”
My mother ran to the exit doors. Stunned, a bailiff promptly opened a door; Mom exited with Olympic speed.
A long silence hung in the air before testimony continued. I kept my head down.
Later, the judge said, “Court will take a brief recess. Miss Reporter, chambers, please.”
I stood with my machine, following the judge as the jury, attorneys, witness, and courtroom waited.
Perhaps the judge asked me if I knew that woman.
Perhaps I paused, and said, “No, Your Honor.”
The judge may have asked again saying, “You look just like her, Monette,” before I may have hung my head and reluctantly “admitted” that they are my parents.
We re-entered the court; testimony continued until lunch. Dr. Di Maio would return. I stood as the jury exited and the courtroom emptied. (Court was being covered that day by newspapers, TV, filled with family members, friends, and spectators for the prosecution and for the defense. This trial was news.)
Then the judge walked to my father (Mom was not in the courtroom), introduced himself, and asked if we would like to join him for lunch.
Walking to lunch, the judge and I walked ahead of my parents. They followed behind us on the narrow sidewalk.
Suddenly, my father reached forward to speak to the judge, touching him on the left shoulder.
The judge quickly reached for his shoulder with his right hand, and perhaps, raised his voice, “Monette, tell your father never touch a criminal judge from behind on the shoulder!”
I watched the bailiffs that followed moving quickly and knew the left shoulder held a firearm, due to multiple threats.
Again, I hung my head (as I explained to Dad, on the sidewalk, why he could not touch this man).
Part I of III is posted October 5, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted October 15, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted October 30, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
15 Oct 2013
Author: monette | Category: Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly, Career Advancement, Coach, consultant, court reporter certification, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, HOH, Life Coach, NCRA Test Prep WKT, Uncategorized | Tags: "The Road Not Taken", ADA, Hard of Hearing, Medicare, MRSA
The Final Frontier: Nolo Contendere, Guilty, Part II of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
September 16, 2013
Part I began: Court reporters are a disciplined breed. This is reinforced as I move through my professional and personal world.
“The final frontier” is a metaphor. I was encouraged to write this as I trolled this topic past professionals, court reporters, broadcast captioners, CART providers, instructors, and students that I am tutoring and coaching. Guilty.
Court reporters listen with laser focus. I have listened to individuals, doctors, speak – a lot.
When specialists have finished long sentences, often I am asked “Have any questions?”
Often, I shake my head.
When I am asked why I don’t have any questions I have replied, “The good news is that the patient does not have the diagnosis that you thought was causing the problem. The bad news is that you don’t know what’s causing the problem.”
Not often, the specialist asks, “How’d you do that?”
Rarely, will I share, “Degree in listening.”
Often, I reply, “I listened.”
Part II of II:
… When the ambulance arrived, Mom, on oxygen and hooked up to multiple machines, was crying. I needed to sign documents, “Hurry,” they said. Head down, I read the first paragraph. The first reaction I hear over and over and over? Deep sighs. Then I heard, “Just sign it. It’s important.”
I read until I saw “Patient Arrested.” I pointed to the line. Ambulance EMTs who were gowned for isolation with gloves and masks, and nurses in the room, abruptly inhaled.
Me: “Arrested? Define, please.” An EMT: “We’re in a hurry.”
Me: “No can do. Court reporter. Only time I see word ‘arrested,’ is with work. ‘Patient arrested’ … Not signing until defined.”
EMT: “Your mother arrested on the table. You’re not supposed to know. We’re not allowed to tell you. You need to sign. We must transport now; she needs isolation.” (Code for: “Hospital discharge policy was at 5:00 today, and it’s past 5:00 now.)
My court reporter discipline, in my opinion, appeared again. Guilty.
I will not be hurried when asked to sign documents. I quietly insist on reading every line. Though I wanted to toss their clipboard against the wall, I sat tall, silently, slowly, counting Mississippi-s until everyone was uncomfortable in the room.
Then I said, “Patient arrested? Yet I am not to be told, correct?”
“Yes. We have standby personnel due to her arrest, yet we could get sued for telling you.”
I did sign – after I read every line. No, they would not give me copies.
The final frontier involves deciding when to let others do their job and to stay on the sidelines, when to step forward.
I now listen to doctors discuss an eval; then I write three words.
Many ask, “Why only that?” looking to my notes.
I softly say, “Data driven.”
Thus far, that stumps everyone working to blow out of the room onto their next patient. Guilty.
Data driven. I listen to “we need to up meds” or “we need to wing-down.”
Watching professionals take Mom’s blood pressure the past few weeks I have again viewed the final frontier.
During symptom spikes, doctors do not return calls and nurses are in “report.” Serious side effects mean “it’s being monitored, and we’ll tell the next shift.”
Like many freelance and judicial court reporters, I have marked a lot of exhibits.
Details are important, yes? I have found multiple incorrect confidential documents for other patients, outdated and incorrect lab reports. I am not stunned anymore. I simply hold up the document(s) – which I was encouraged not to take the time to read. Guilty.
Due to multiple problems, recently I phoned a cardiologist for an outside visit after I watched professionals take Mom’s blood pressure. During the incident that created my call to the cardiologist, Mom’s BP reached 186/90, and a white-coat wearing specialist giggled, “Oh, she’s just upset.” In realtime, my focus shifted with my mother’s diagnosed afib and current diagnoses.
Reactions were swift once I phoned the cardiologist. Mountains were moved well under 24 hours. People were not happy. Oh well. Guilty.
Perhaps the D.O.N., Director of Nursing, phoned, “Perhaps you’re not satisfied with our care here.”
Perhaps I only listened. (Often I choose when to “word” engage. I chose not here. That call told me more about them than me.)
The final frontier. Nurses and staff now tell me, “You really do want to help your mother.” I avoid replying “gah” and am convinced it is our discipline. Guilty.
Court reporters are disciplined from school, each job, each event, and with each application with our skills.
Yet ask a medical person who is working with other medical people for a straight answer – and I am astonished to hear, “Just trust me – you need to sign this.” No.
The final frontier. Multiple individuals whisper, “You’re a textbook problem.”
Me, “How so?”
Patients with family who ask questions and want answers are called problems. “And you do want your questions answered. You listen and listen and listen while they talk themselves blue.” Guilty.
I remain stunned that medical professionals have said, “You help me to do a better job. Most people are too busy to ask questions. And it takes time to answer you. Yet your mother is alive because a family member picked up symptoms, behavior, and patterns quicker than staff.” Guilty.
The final frontier involves so many court reporters, CART providers, captioners, and students who share that they will not sign anything without reading every line, too. They insist on a copy of everything they sign, too. When they read documents to sign, everyone in the room sighs – while they calmly read, too. Discipline, yes. Guilty.
A high-profile official court reporter. “I took three hours to read mortgage papers. I took five hours signing a 15-year mortgage. When I bought a car on 24 installments, the dealer closed at 8 p.m. I left at 9:30 p.m. It drives my family crazy.” Nolo contendere.
We are not rattled when we are asking for information at work or at home, regarding a family member and advancing our skills. We listen.
We have no shortcuts to listening.
Part I of III is posted September 5, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted September 16, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted September 27, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
16 Sep 2013
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, Court reporting students, Court Reporting Whisperer, CRRbooks.com, HCV, HLAA, HOH, late deafened, Life Coach, Monette Benoit, Motivation, Oral Deaf, Prep Court Reporting Tests, Real-Time, technology, The Panama Story, time managment, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, Uncategorized, Written Knowledge Test, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: ADA, AGB, Glaucoma, Hard of Hearing, Hard of Hearing Adults and Children, Hearing Loss, HLA, HOH, Titanium Tympanoplasty
Titanium Technology and Glaucoma Effects, Part II of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
July 28, 2013
Part I began: The nurse, RN, was speaking to me about my mother’s recent ICU discharge when overhead speakers broadcast a doctor’s page. He cupped one hand over the back of each ear. I watched, sans comment.
I am witnessing many medical professionals with hearing loss…
He said softly, “Don’t tell anyone. I have hearing loss.”
I nodded, “I see that you have coping skills to assist you.”
“You noticed?” he replied.
Me, “Yes, sir. Due to my work.”
Mom tells everyone, every shift, “My daughter is a court reporter, a teacher, and she’s an author …”
I was prepared to not pursue this topic. However, I find 99 percent of people who have hearing loss do want to detail their world with me. I listen, humbled, learning from each.
He said, “Most people don’t notice. My wife’s worse! She’s the one I worry about. I’ll tell you tomorrow, okay?” I nodded.
We returned to our task – “required gowning with gloves and mask in the hall before entering.”
He asked how I was familiar with hearing loss. I shared “court reporter, CART provider, captioner, consultant.”
This nurse said, “My wife and children have serious issues. I just have hearing loss. But I know what I want before I lose my hearing.”
“My wife has glaucoma. When she was a teen she took glaucoma medicine to decrease her eye pressure. The medicine also decreases inner ear pressure and damages nerves. Her hearing loss now is from medicine long ago. What’s worse than that?”
“Each generation then has hearing loss from the parent’s medicine.”
Part II of III
My eyes were as big as saucers as I listened to this man talk about the glaucoma medicine and generational effects.
He summed it up, “Tomorrow I’ll tell you what I want. I probably won’t get it. Yet I have to have hopes. Right?”
The next day, this nurse sprang from his chair as I entered to visit Mom isolated with MRSA, pseudomonosis, and additional ICU sterile lung bacteria.
“I’ve been waiting for you. I told my wife about you and court reporters. We know all about your work. We thank you and your profession for helping us. Once I tell you what I really want, could you tell me how to help my 12-year old?” I nodded.
I whipped out my iPad, asked permission to write notes.
He said, “Sure! Let’s go look at the latest and greatest. It’s not well known, but it could be once the price comes down. And with glaucoma patients and their children’s children – and their children – they’re all going to need your help.”
We hunkered together and looked up “tympanoplasty.” The prostheses resembles a small earring. Hearing must be present.
He emphasized, “This is different than cochlear implants. It’s titanium. Implants require relearning sounds and have differing results. This titanium tympanoplasty device is shaped to fit into each ear. It originated in Germany.”
The nurse shared that his wife and children are not prostheses candidates due to their “glaucoma medicine-induced hearing loss” (each child has never had glaucoma, nor do they have the gene).
He shared, “Medical costs are $30,000; insurance doesn’t cover it – yet. But I could hear again with this. I’ve done my homework. Now I just have to find a doctor who will do the surgery and not want thirty grand,” he said tenderly.
Later that day, he found me in the hallway – staring at the floor – wearing the isolation gown – holding the required gloves, sans mask.
Now he held a notepad; he asked how he could help his family.
“One son already has problems. He’s been bullied. I taught him karate for discipline and confidence. His speech is now thick-tongued as pressure in his ears create hearing loss from his mother’s glaucoma medicine before he was born.”
Part I is posted July 11, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II is posted July 28, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com
Part III is posted August 11, 2013, www.monettebenoit.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
28 Jul 2013
Author: monette | Category: ADA, ASL, Big D, captioning, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, court reporting tests, Court Reporting Whisperer, CRRbooks.com, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, HLAA, HOH, HV with HCV, Interpreter, late deafened, Life Coach, Monette Benoit, NCRA Court Reporters, Oral Deaf, pass tests, Prep Court Reporting, Real-Time, realtime dictionary, Remote Interpreting, RID Sign Interpreter, SHHH, Sign Interpreters, Students, technology, Test Prep, Tutor, Uncategorized, Veterans Helping Veterans, WKT prep, Written Knowledge Test | Tags: Cochlear Implant, Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Ouch. That Hurt My Ears! Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
June 2013
Part I began: Another errand. Another task to be completed.
My mother has been hospitalized for a while now. We have serious issues – to include ICU and MRSA isolation (multiple hospital bacteria, each gifted to Mom – again).
Yesterday Mom’s twin brother died.
When he was a Marine (enlisting ‘underage’ without telling his mother) Mom’s twin brother served on the front lines in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Gudalcanal, and numerous other battles.
When her twin brother was shot, Mom woke, crying at 4:30 a.m. …
… Each time the double doors opened the cashier gasped.
She lowered her head, placing one hand over each ear as she winced. Stunned, I watched.
Then the woman said, “It is so windy outside! Every time the doors open it hurts my ears. Ouch!” …
Part II began:
Faith, “Mom resisted for so long… Mom didn’t think it would work. This is the funny part. Just as the lady turned on the sound machine to test her hearing the air conditioning unit went off. That pressure hurt Mom’s ears. She said, ‘Ouch! That hurts!’ Then Mom was angry at the noise. My step-dad and I laughed. Then Mom was angry with us for laughing. So we laughed harder until she ‘finally’ understood that she was angry at our laughing and ‘that’ was sound. Her first sound in 30 years. Then she laughed.”
I smiled. Faith continued, “Now my son has a hearing loss, too. He has the gene, I guess. He just finished a tour in Afghanistan. He missed the hearing test! And he wanted to serve so bad! So he wrote his quartermaster a letter telling him how much it would mean to serve. And his letter worked! They took him! He served, though failing the hearing test was not shared with others … He’s just come home. That’s why I agreed to get the implant. I may have grandchildren soon. I want to hear everything! Everything!”
Part III:
I asked, “Your mother has nine siblings with hearing loss? You and your son have a hearing loss?”
She laughed, “Yes! And it’s been perfectly normal for us. Mom didn’t want to hear all of us when we were kids – she used to tease us. It’s all been perfectly normal. Now she can hear perfect! Soon I will, too. And I have tinnitus and that hurts, too. Ouch, the doors just opened again.”
The woman behind me wore dark eyeglasses, a large hat.
She shoved a bag onto the counter, and chin down said, “This doesn’t work. Here!”
Watching the rude woman I paused before taking two steps away from the counter. Faith was beaming with a huge smile. She winked at me, took the bag and asked the woman, “How may I help you?” The frowning woman never looked Faith in the eye. She snarked and barked at Faith.
Yet Faith smiled at me for the longest time. When the doors next opened, Faith winced. She did not cover her ears.
Dramatically, she pointed to one ear, slowly mouthing “cochlear implant.” Then she laughed.
I held my bag of sympathy cards for my mother’s twin brother’s family, headed to the door and tried to exit opening one door just a little (to avoid pressure on Faith’s ears).
The wind gusts grabbed the door from my hand and flew wide open.
Frozen, I looked back at Faith. Her beaming smile remained and Faith said, loudly, “Thank you. Thank you for telling me about the successes! Two weeks! Can’t wait!”
Oh, this lady touched my heart.
Her hope and enthusiasm will serve her well as she welcomes ‘sound’ back into her world.
Had it not been for the need for sympathy cards for my mom (which Mom cannot select due to her hospitalization), traveling a new road on an abnormally windy day – I would have missed this opportunity to meet Faith. And I am grateful she shared.
Faith and her son – each choosing to receive cochlear implants – will have opportunities and choices that many people with hearing loss previously were not afforded.
And the Deaf community’s reaction?
Oh, that’s a whole nuther kettle of fish.
Cochlear implants are not for everyone; this I know from CARTing and captioning many seminars where individuals shared from podiums (and privately to me).
Yet, for Faith, per Faith, this is going to change everything for Faith.
And isn’t that grand? She has choices.
“And three generations with implants,” Faith repeatedly emphasized.
As I stood, bag in hand with the sympathy cards, Faith shared that when her first mother heard the air conditioning noise voicing her first ‘sound’ sentence, “Ouch, that hurts” – her mother’s second sentence was “Isn’t Jesus great?”
Faith shared “Isn’t Jesus great?” is now their family motto when it comes to loss of hearing and to increasing their hearing.
One of my personally challenging days turned into a sweet, memorable day gifted by an enthusiastic woman “waiting to hear again.” And “isn’t that great?” I now ask you?
Part I of III is posted June 3, 2013 on the blog Monette’s Musings
Part II of III is posted June 14, 2013 on the blog Monette’s Musings
Part III of III is posted June 25, 2013 on the blog Monette’s Musings
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
27 Jun 2013
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 95 % pass rate written exam, Captain Kevin Donnelly, Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly, CART/captioning, Certify NCRA RPR Test Prep, Coach, Coaching, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, Court Reporting Whisperer, CRRbooks.com, Goal Setting, HCV, hepatitis C, home-study, Kevin Drue Donnelly, Life Coach, Management, Monette Benoit, Monette's Mindful Management, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA WKT, RPR Test WKT, Sign Interpreters, Test Prep, The Panama Story, Tutor, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, Tutoring, WKT prep, Written Exam, Written Knowledge Test, www.CRRbooks.com
Exactly Why Am I Doing This Now? Part II of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
May 15, 2013
The requested tutor and empowerment coaching appointment began with a simple question.
My question to the court reporter was simply, “How are you?”
There was a loud sigh. The answer began, “I am so tired of …” I watched the clock. How long? Over five minutes. I did not peep one word as I listened. After a noticeable silence, the court reporter asked me what I was thinking.
Soflty, I said, “Wow, that was almost a five-minute literary test. Now please tell me what you really think.” She howled with laughter.
Ah, court reporters and court reporting students.
When someone asks us what we think, and the question is posed by someone (my opinion here) related to our field, we can really let the words fly, yes? Yes.
Now that the energy had been expelled in a healthy manner – and we were clear that we would focus together – we began an open dialog for the goals.
We agreed to assess goals that had been met as a student and to evaluate where she is now as a certified court reporter.
The court reporter then said (I have permission to share) “When I was going to school then, I was not putting in as much as I should have. Then working with you, I decided I could do this – I really could do this. I decided to not do this and to not do that, but to really do this and to not make excuses. That was how I came a long way. I focused as you advised.”
Thus, we spent our time working together constructively, realistically focusing.
Instead of focusing on the loud voice in her head, we focused on the tasks that would realistically work with her present schedule and her goals now. Today.
Her question “exactly why am I doing this now?” remained with me after we scheduled updates and ended our time together.
This very question itself, in my opinion, will give you freedom.
Have you asked yourself this question and identified what is important?
Have you asked yourself this question on a good day – and not when events are comedy for Saturday Night Live?
I believe this is an excellent question. We take risks when we ask the question, “Why?”
Together we focused on the nutrition for the goals.
The court reporter and I made a conscious choice to create strength with training while working.
What I heard the court reporter say – and what was identified later by her words – were her fears. I heard, “I am afraid …” Her true fears were shared “straight up.”
Yes, I could hear fear in her voice, as well as the frustration.
Part I of III is posted May 1, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted May 24, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
15 May 2013
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 95 % pass rate written exam, Adolphus Floyd, Advocate, ASL, Captain Kevin Donnelly, Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly, Captioner, captioning, captioning dictionary, captioning prep, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, CART provider, CART/captioning, Certify NCRA RPR Test Prep, Certify NCRA RPR Test Prep WKT skills RMR RDR CSR CCR, Certify NCRA RPR WKT skills RMR RDR, Coach, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Accuracy, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, court reporting tests, Court Reporting Whisperer, CRRbooks.com, CSR RPR, Dolphin Ward Floyd, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, Hep C, hepatitis C, Hepatitis Researcher, HOH, home-study, HV with HCV, Interpreter, Kevin Donnelly, Kevin Drue Donnelly, Kevin's Sister, Life Coach, Management, Monette Benoit, Monette's Mindful Management, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, Motivation, NCRA, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA prep, NCRA RPR Test Prep, NCRA RPR Test Prep WKT skills RMR RDR CSR CCR, NCRA test prep, NCRA Test Prep WKT, NCRA WKT, Oral Deaf, pass tests, pass WKT, Prep Court Reporting, Prep Court Reporting Tests, RDR CSR CCR, Real-Time, Real-Time Rules, realtime dictionary, RMR RDR CSR CCR, RPR Test Prep, RPR Test WKT, Sign Interpreters, technology, Test Prep, The Panama Story, time managment, Try Harder; Each Time You Try Harder, Tutor, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, Tutoring, Veterans, Veterans Helping Veterans, vets and families, webcasting, WKT prep, Written Exam, Written Knowledge Test, written test, www.CRRbooks.com, “Did I help You?” Chief Reporter | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Exactly Why Am I Doing This Now? Part I of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
May 1, 2013
The requested tutor and empowerment coaching appointment began with a simple question.
My question to the court reporter was simply, “How are you?”
There was a loud sigh. The answer began, “I am so tired of …” I watched the clock. How long? Over five minutes. I did not peep one word as I listened. After a noticeable silence, the court reporter asked me what I was thinking.
Soflty, I said, “Wow, that was almost a five-minute literary test. Now please tell me what you really think.” She howled with laughter.
Ah, court reporters and court reporting students.
When someone asks us what we think, and the question is posed by someone (my opinion here) related to our field, we can really let the words fly, yes? Yes.
This individual and I have worked together in the past. She emailed with a question requesting numerous sessions.
Again, I found it interesting that the tenacity and goals that were set by this person while enrolled in court reporting school (her words) “who would never make it out of school fast enough” were now similar to today’s scheduled session.
“I’m not going to spend another dime to improve my skills when I have paid so much to get where I am.” (I remained silent.)
“I know people can do what I am trying to do now. If they can do it, why can’t I? I want – No, I need to earn more money. I didn’t go to court reporting school to be at the bottom of a seniority list with working court reporters after this period of time, did I?” (I remained silent.)
The sentence I truly enjoyed (professionally and personally here), “I’ll just get there and take it from there when I do get there, okay?”
I listened to this gainfully employed court reporter.
“The support on my software is about to expire. I have to pay for that, too. And the support on my new writer is about to expire. More money there! All that adds up to a lot of money and it is due very, very soon!”
The reporter summed it up, “I just am wondering exactly why I am doing this now …”
And there we had it. The dancing zebra in the room was bowing and exiting.
Now that the energy had been expelled in a healthy manner – and we were clear that we would focus together – we began an open dialog for the goals.
Part II of III is posted May 15, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted May 24, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
01 May 2013
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly, CART FAQ, CART provider, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Accuracy, court reporting test prep, Court reporting tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, CSR RPR, Deaf, Dolphin Ward Floyd, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, hepatitis C, HOH, home-study, HV with HCV, Interpreter, Kevin Donnelly, late deafened, Life Coach, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, NCRA, NCRA test prep, Oral Deaf, RDR CSR CCR, Remote Interpreting, Sign Interpreters, technology, Test Prep, The Panama Story, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Game-Changer … Will He Make It?, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
March 2013
Part I began: During an errand to a home improvement center, I witnessed a “game-changing moment,” in my opinion. It unfolded before my ears – and my eyes. Then I was gifted with an opportunity.
I needed a tool. I walked with purpose. After seeing me repeatedly strolling the same aisle, an employee asked me what I was seeking.
He said, “That’s not here! It’s the only tool in our department that’s way, way over there!” I asked for the aisle number. He said, “Follow me.” He was accurate with “follow me.”
We briskly strolled from one end of the large store to the other. I followed; he walked three steps ahead of me.
That was when I noticed a frowning employee approaching in a sprint, lips pursed. I stepped back. Yet my radar was up; I thought I saw it. I watched the frowning employee’s intense focus.
The frowning employee never took his eyes off the young employee’s face who responded, speaking into the air away from the frowning man.
Part II began: The employee shrugged. Then that dude increased his walk until he was two steps in front of me.
I touched his right arm, startling him.
I asked if he knew the employee that he had assisted. “Nope. Started today. He’s just some new guy. Okay?”
I believe I smiled for the first time. To his back I said, “He is deaf. And he is way smarter than you.”
This news brought the employee to an abrupt stop. He stopped so suddenly that I almost walked smack into his back. Stunned, he made eye contact.
Part III: His eyes were soft. He stood only inches away from me when he softly asked, “What does he need?” He had stopped touching his store beeper. He removed the earpod within each ear. (That was when I knew I had his attention.)
I shared, “I have worked with and have been embraced by deaf adults and deaf children. He will need someone he can trust – especially if this is his first day, and there is no one to help him.”
The employee smiled. “I will keep an eye out for him today. That’s not my area. It’s way over there. I’m supposed to stay way over here.”
Then he said the words that meant much to me. This young man who had been so rude to me said, “Thank you. I never would have known. No one here knows. Thank you for taking your time to share with me.”
I asked what the probationary period is for new employees. (Court reporter focus here.) When he shared, “30 days,” I nodded and turned to walk away.
From behind he touched my right arm. When I turned back to him, he extended his right hand. I respectfully shook his hand. We closed the deal.
Recently, I was in the same store and saw an employee I have known for years. I strolled up, “I need to ask you something.” We both looked left and right – for supervisors.
I asked, “Just over a month ago I was in here, and it was the first day for a deaf employee. Do you know the man?” I did not wince; I waited while he thought.
Then he said, “Yes! I know the man. Do you need something from him? I can help you.” I paused – before I asked, “If I need something from him – I could have him help me? Yes?” (My code for “Does he still work here?”)
The man said, “Today’s his day off. What do you need?”
Softly I said, “I have what I need now. Thank you.”
What opportunity was I gifted with as I wrote at the beginning of my article here?
Ah, grasshoppers: quietly advocating to someone who could (then would) make a difference in a person’s new job. In so doing, that person then stepped ‘up’ the center to now become an advocate for others.
Moments unfold into experiences. Experiences then become game-changers.
My opinion is that I viewed a game-changing moment to quietly, respectfully advocate (in a home improvement center). That advocating assisted another person to assist a new employee to “make it on the job.”
You, too, have these moments. Of this I am sure. Indeed you do. Game-changing moments.
Part I of III is posted March 2, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted March 17, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted March 29, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
29 Mar 2013
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly, CART provider, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, Dolphin Ward Floyd, HCV, hepatitis C, home-study, Kevin Drue Donnelly, Life Coach, Management, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Motivation, NCRA test prep, Real-Time, The Panama Story, Tutor, Uncategorized, Written Exam | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
An Alpha State of Mind, Part II of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
January 14, 2013
Part I of III began: Did you know that while your brain is in the alpha state that your muscles, nervous system, and cells have a different pulse per second?
Scientists have discovered that brain waves within the alpha state function at a different level of consciousness, perhaps half the normal rate. Did you know that?
Many of us do know that the alpha state is a “level” people seek while praying and meditating. Children who are taught how to reach alpha levels during chemotherapy have different (good) results while receiving medical treatment. Biofeedback teaches this information, too.
Beta is defined as the “level” needed to function while we are awake. Beta incorporates our five senses. Beta levels may have brain pulses which fluctuate 15 to 20 pulses per second.
A good night’s sleep requires the alpha level. Again, pulses in the brain define alpha.
Part II of III: I blinked hard, froze, and looked to the other individuals in the room. I did not reply and remained in court reporter and CART provider mode.
The professional said very slowly and with authority, “She is able to enter the alpha state quicker than other people, and while she is awake – quickly. This is her work. This is what enables her to do the excellent quality of work she is providing. She is able to focus, to focus quickly. It is her training that provides entering the alpha stage so rapidly from beta. Her alpha has been perfected – perfected – to enable her to provide her work. Other people typically remain in the beta level while they work and as they go about their day. She is in the alpha state right now, entering it easily and leaving it easily. See?”
The conversation continued verbatim, “She’s doing her work from a different place of consciousness. You (spoken to me) move quickly from beta to alpha – with alpha brain waves, which you’d have to have to have a very, very finely tuned brain working, and to be in the alpha state, very alert, very aware, listening – taking it all in. When she’s doing this type of work it is similar to meditation, to going inward.”
Everyone laughed at my non-response. I simply tilted my head, remained silent.
Yet my memory-moment (my term) caused me to leave my “alpha state of mind” and to have the three-ring circus instantly enter my head while I was working. You know the three-ring circus, yes? We have the circus parading as we realtime our work, as we listen, as we think about the grocery list, and as we wonder when the next break, the next recess, the next commercial will begin, yes?
The alpha state is just a portion of the skills, my opinion, that enables me, and I believe enables court reporters, CART providers, captioners, and students in the saddle who also focus with deep, daily “taking it all in intent.”
As my three-ring circus continued, the job continued. Individuals then discussed my breathing, my focus. I thanked the Lord it was a moment when I was not sighing, was not rolling my shoulders, was not stretching or wiggling. My stomach was not growling for food, my shoulders were not hunched up with one shoulder raised more than the other.
Part I of III is posted January 3, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted January 14, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted January 28, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
14 Jan 2013
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 95 % pass rate written exam, Captain Kevin Donnelly, Certify NCRA RPR Test Prep, Coach, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, court reporting tests, Court reporting tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, CRRbooks.com, Goal Setting, HCV, hepatitis C, home-study, HV with HCV, Kevin Drue Donnelly, Management, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA RPR Test Prep, NCRA test prep, pass tests, Prep Court Reporting, Real-Time, Sign Interpreters, Uncategorized, WKT prep, Written Exam, Written Knowledge Test, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
An Alpha State of Mind, Part I of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
January 3, 2013
Part I of III: Did you know that while your brain is in the alpha state that your muscles, nervous system, and cells have a different pulse per second?
Scientists have discovered that brain waves within the alpha state function at a different level of consciousness, perhaps half the normal rate. Did you know that?
Many of us do know that the alpha state is a “level” people seek while praying and meditating. Children who are taught how to reach alpha levels during chemotherapy have different (good) results while receiving medical treatment. Biofeedback teaches this information, too.
Beta is defined as the “level” needed to function while we are awake. Beta incorporates our five senses. Beta levels may have brain pulses which fluctuate 15 to 20 pulses per second.
A good night’s sleep requires the alpha level. Again, pulses in the brain define alpha.
Alpha levels are approximately seven to fourteen pulses per second. Individuals have defined “intuition” as “a state of consciousness” arising from the alpha level.
Theta is deeper than alpha, involves dreams, and is another “level” we seek to reach during a good night’s sleep. Theta has brain frequencies approximately four to seven pulses per second.
Delta is the deepest sleep level with four pulses or less. Delta levels are documented to be “dreamless.” Many define the delta level as “unconscious” with fewer than four pulses per second. I wonder if anesthesia involves delta. I do not yet know. Yet I learned much as I listened to the conversation, the words I am sharing below.
And this relates to our court reporting field how?
During a job, professionals were discussing the human body, our ability to focus, how we focus, how we store energy, and how our body works with differing brain pulses.
While I was seated in complete listening mode, and our court reporting work posture, one of the professionals who had been speaking, looked to me and was quiet. I paused and waited and waited.
Then the professional said, “Monette, since you are a court reporter, you are able to enter the alpha stage very quickly and very deeply from the beta level. Did you know that?”
Part I of III is posted January 3, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted January 14, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted January 28, 2013, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
03 Jan 2013
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, ASL, Big D, Captain Kevin Donnelly, Captioner, captioning prep, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coach, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, court reporting tests, Court Reporting Whisperer, CRRbooks.com, Deaf, Dolphin Ward Floyd, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, Hep C, HOH, home-study, HV with HCV, Interpreter, Kevin Drue Donnelly, late deafened, Life Coach, Management, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Motivation, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA prep, NCRA test prep, NCRA WKT, Oral Deaf, RDR CSR CCR, Real-Time, realtime dictionary, Remote Interpreting, RMR RDR CSR CCR, Sign Interpreters, Students, Test Prep, The Panama Story, time managment, Tutor, Tutoring, Veterans Helping Veterans, Written Knowledge Test, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Wheels Slowing Spinning? What’s Your Motivation?
Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
October 2012
Part I began: If you could do anything with your life what would it be?
What would you ‘really’ do with your time, your heart, your ears, and your hands?
Would you share your court reporting skills with individuals who are waiting to ‘hear’ from you?
Would you work in court? Would you focus on specialty freelance reporting? Would you really work with attorneys? (Yes, I asked that question.) Many of us have enjoyed the thrill of working with attorneys and many still do now.
Would you provide CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation)?
Would you learn sign language to have the ability to share your top-shelf skills to communicate with all your consumers? Would you learn about the Little D world, Big D, oral deaf, late-deafened, and hard-of-hearing children and adults?
Would you caption? Would you be able and willing to caption during the evenings, weekends, and holidays? It goes with the territory for many broadcast captioners. I know captioners who have shared with me that they spent years writing “down the hall” or “in the basement” or “upstairs” away from their family, yet were able to hear family laughter and loud voices. Would they do it all again? Many state they would.
And there will be individuals who will read this column, tilt their heads and think, “I am doing what I really want to do. I am.”
To that I say, “Bravo.”
Part II began: Yet if you could do anything with your skills, have you made a list to find out what “that anything” is? Have you listed what you would have to learn, what you would need to finish, to accomplish that list? I know people like the term “bucket list.” If those words for you, great.
If your heart is almost full after working, or you believe it would be “fuller if …” then perhaps now is the time for you to peek up from that desk. Now may be the time to move away from some of the daily drama that we “know” fills our busy world.
When we know a commute will require a longer drive-time on a particular road, we make different choices, yes? We find another road or perhaps we leave at another time, if that is possible. Often, we will do our darnest to avoid sitting in that darn traffic.
We avoid sitting with the wheels slowly spinning.
Are your wheels slowly spinning? What is your motivation?
Part III: What would motivate you to act on your motivation once you define specifics?
Is money again at the top of the list? When was the last time you left a job, onsite or remote, as a court reporter, captioner, CART provider, or student and felt that you had pitched your best? When did you last know you accomplished what you had planned and had worked toward?
Perhaps you want to raise your expectations for your world and to believe that you do have the coping skills to live the life you planned.
When I listen to individuals sharing their dreams, their hopes, their expectations, their fears, and yes, their successes, I am honored at what is shared straight-up, no excuses given. Court reporters tell it like it is. Really straight-up.
As we prep to roll into the holidays many of us will spend time helping others. We will schedule our time around other people’s schedules, personally and professionally, adding to the expectations of others with our hearts, our ears, our hands, and our time.
I want to suggest that you remember you are an investment that will multiple into grand, new paths when you are truly making the best choices for you.
What is your motivation to get up each day? For what are you grateful each evening and within your quiet moments?
My wish is that your goals, your dreams, will begin to whisper to you.
I wish that your whispers will become dreams, then goals.
Your goals will become committed statements.
Your statements will become reality.
You are what motivates me as I finish this article late in the evening on another extended deadline.
So many reporters and students have crossed my path as a result of my years of court reporting, publishing books and CDs, learning how to provide and then sharing CART, captioning, teaching, tutoring, coaching, public speaking, and sixteen years writing this JCR (Journal of Court Reporting) “Beyond The Comfort Zone” column.
Tonight I am working with eyeglasses that are broken (yes, we just move forward, don’t we?). I am helping my mother continue to deal with serious health issues as she grieves the death of her husband (my dad) of fifty-eight years. Then I read an email or receive a message wherein you share. The spark(s), and sparkle, in many of you is what motivates me, and I thank you.
Part I of III is posted October 4, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted October 18, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted October 30, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
30 Oct 2012
Author: monette | Category: "WKT", 95 % pass rate written exam, Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly, CART/captioning, Certify NCRA RPR WKT skills RMR RDR, Coach, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, court reporting test prep, court reporting tests, Court Reporting Whisperer, CRRbooks.com, CSR RPR, Deaf, Goal Setting, HCV, hepatitis C, HOH, home-study, Kevin Drue Donnelly, Life Coach, Management, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, Motivation, NCRA, NCRA test prep, NCRA WKT, pass tests, pass WKT, Prep Court Reporting, Real-Time, RPR Test Prep, The Panama Story, Tutor, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, Tutoring, Uncategorized, WKT prep, Written Knowledge Test, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Thriving In Five – Or Less, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Part I: Why thrive in five? Why thrive with less?
I believe the majority of individuals in the court reporting profession think of the number ‘five’ as a take, a 5-minute take.
Thriving in five? Yes.
Thriving in less than five? Yes, this relates, too.
Recently, I read that the average person thinks 50,000+ thoughts a day.
I smiled immediately thinking (adding to my average number of thoughts that day) that court reporters must have many more than 50,000 thoughts a day.
Our tenacious personalities, our “word” work and our “word” schooling, in my opinion, would add up to many more than the average person, yes? …
Part II: Is steno a new language? Yes. Do we learn new skills every day? Oh, yes.
Do we learn new words each day?
Yes, each and every day.
And that thrive in five mindset is a frequent flier program in our court reporting world.
We do earn frequent flier points and note skill advancement once we decide to focus on this concept.
The mindset is doable and assists us to measure our progress and our goals. It is.
Often I may ask where a court reporter is (spending time) advancing their skills?
Many professionals share that they practice after a full work day, “At home in my office.”
I may ask students, “Where do you attend school?”
A common answer, “Online in my room alone.” Hm. …
Part III: Thriving in five is a simplistic approach to find some fun (their words) – court reporting students and court reporters shared with me – when I trotted it into my tutoring and coaching time.
“Might as well try this,” some said. “It seems worth a go.”
My reply, “Now that’s the true spirit.”
I also suggest that individuals embrace their discomfort – momentarily – to isolate what is stopping or halting the advancement of skills and goals.
Thriving in five includes finding your interruption(s) focus, to isolate an interruption in your strength, and in your confidence.
Remember when you struggled on the steno machine in your new theory, your new language, writing “a cat sat on the hat?” Did you just smile?
We huffed and puffed writing those words, yes?
As a court reporter, “I absolutely can do this,” is one thought I have when the mojo is flowing.
I may also think, “This will never happen again.” Why? Because my head may be on a table or the steering wheel.
And the action that created that thought is one I truly do not ever want repeated. Not ever.
We earn many of the thoughts that cross our mind – remember I quoted the stat above for 50,000+ per day for the average person.
What are your favorite five word thrive in five possibilities?
Multiple individuals have shared this focus “is like scrabble, and I can use vowels and consonants.”
Each day we collect data in our personal and professional world.
We trust the method and the process that has successfully set us apart from the “average” person with our skills, our thoughts, and our focus.
Refine, define, and know that you are the expert.
Part I of III is posted July 13, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted July 31, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted August 8, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
08 Aug 2012
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, ASL, Big D, Captain Kevin Donnelly, Captioner, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coach, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Accuracy, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, Court reporting tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, hepatitis C, HOH, home-study, Interpreter, Kevin Drue Donnelly, late deafened, Life Coach, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Motivation, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA test prep, Oral Deaf, Real-Time, The Panama Story, time managment, Written Exam, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
How To Write Ineffectively, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
“There’s A Lot Going On In The Circus”, March 2012, included one sentence that has resulted in (many, many) private emails from students, court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners.
I have been asked to elaborate. …
Part II: Is the problem not having the word translate correctly? That is fixable.
Is the problem being in over one’s head with a job that is too technical?
Knowing when to ask for backup and seeking help is essential here, too.
Have you ever written a test or a job where you thought the speaker(s) would never stop talking?
Have you endured and stayed in the chair while the words were “way” fast, too difficult?
Yet, when the event finished, the earth did not swallow you (I have prayed for this, CARTing to large screens).
Part III: Writing every day and not progressing? What is tranning correctly, and what is an error is, again, going to be very different for a student and reporter taking a 5-minute test and a court reporter, CART provider, or captioner, providing the verbatim, accurate record.
Do you know your software? Are you trailing when you make the error? Are you dropping multiple words? Do you know your theory? Can you fingerspell the word? (I cannot tell you how many individuals tell me they have never been able to do this and will never be able to accomplish fingerspelling.) Learn to fingerspell words, know what is in your dictionary, fingerspell the dang word and get on to the next word. Really.
Do you have test anxiety? Anxiety contributes to errors.
Where did you excel on a test or on the job? What enabled you to feel good, to sit taller, to know you were doing a great job? Focus on that, too.
Good writing – excellent writing is vital.
Analyze what is working for you and what needs improvement.
The “evidence” is right there in front of you. Truly.
Are you taking vitamins, exercising, sleeping more than five hours a night?
(I am making a point with five hours a night unless you are one of the special people like Betty White, 90 years old, who only needs four hours. Standard? Not for many of us, right?)
If you are writing ineffectively I want to ask what appears to drain you?
Are you enjoying your schooling and career adventure? (It is a path with great learning curves, my opinion.)
Are you satisfied at work?
Do you feel that you are working far too many hours? That may contribute, too.
Many reporters tell me that they are “now expected” to do more and now receive less income.
Many individuals, during coaching, tell me that they “resent” this.
If you feel overwhelmed, while working privately with you, I would ask if you have any area in your life where you feel true joy.
When students were truly overwhelmed, I encouraged students to come to the SAMM Center, San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries, a homeless shelter in San Antonio, and work the chow line with me. Really.
What charges you and inspires you? This is unique for each of us.
If you are focusing on how to avoid writing ineffectively, I would recommend that you enroll in a seminar, a webinar, request private tutoring/coaching.
Attend a convention to find the spirit and enthusiasm that brought you into this wonderful profession in the first place.
Conventions and online gatherings share enthusiasm and expertise from gifted professionals.
I always learn from each event “and” the person who asks the question that may appear simple to others. These events are wonderful for recharging you.
Will you ever write a perfect test, a perfect take, a perfect job, a perfect class and perfect show? Perhaps, my friend.
This is always our goal, yes?
Find the resistance, take charge, and confidently move forward while writing effectively.
Opportunities are waiting for you. Waiting for you.
Part I of III is posted May 2, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted May 15, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
25 May 2012
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, ASL, Big D, Captain Kevin Donnelly, captioning, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coach, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Accuracy, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, Court reporting tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, hepatitis C, HOH, home-study, HV with HCV, Interpreter, Kevin Drue Donnelly, late deafened, Life Coach, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA prep, NCRA test prep, NCRA WKT, Oral Deaf, pass tests, Prep Court Reporting Tests, Real-Time, realtime dictionary, religious events, Remote Interpreting, RPR Test Prep, Students, technology, The Panama Story, time managment, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, Tutoring, Uncategorized, Veterans Helping Veterans, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
There’s A Lot Going On In The Circus, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved
Part I: Privately working with students and experienced court reporters a theme appears with each person. A desire is born. A wanting is experienced. Boundaries are removed. Fences (insecurities) are lowered. …
Part II: Students and court reporters know how to work and how to write ineffectively.
In short, we know what does not work.
When the circus is loud and stomping around your home and/or work place, it can be colorful.
Yet when we permit the circus to remain at the forefront in our daily and weekly schedule we witness shifts in our empowering moments. …
Part III: Our circus may have colorful connections; yet we know that every word, and every new skill, every new goal, and every new item added on our to-do list will change the whole enchilada.
And this can be a good thing when we are the masters at the circus gate, and when we are the one who remembers to set aside time to reach our personal and professional enrichment.
When we have the tools to know how to successfully write each word, how to succinctly respond and react to each action which may have power over our journey, we are one step toward mastering our crossroads.
We can be the conductor in “that there” three-ring circus.
Oh so true, many of us have been inside the circus so long that the circus feels comfy and familiar.
Coaching, I frequently comment to students, reporters, and to court reporting instructors, “There’s a whole lot you got going on in that there circus.”
Each person responds with sincere, honest replies.
Every student, every reporter and every instructor, shares full and complete accountings to their circus. I’m talking sustained, detailed descriptions. Many, just listening to their own words, laugh saying, “Did I really just say that?”
When we step back and look around, many of us are amazed at what we are actually accomplishing while in the circus each and every day.
Thus I ask you to listen to your words containing “should, could, need, want” and to then listen to your circus.
I am not requesting a complicated flowchart with systematic details and annotated exhibits.
I am suggesting that you (me, too) may be permitting exterior people and exterior energy to divert you away from your true “expansions.”
Do you have a lot going on in your circus?
Ask yourself this question three times a day, and you will know the answer.
You will know where you are headed and where you want to be.
The circus then becomes a focused mindset enabling each of us to transform our world moment by moment.
“Monette’s Circus Survivor Manual” is a simple yet powerful tool when you are the chef to your whole enchilada – and you are not on autopilot.
Part I of III is posted March 2, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted March 20, 2012, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
29 Mar 2012
Author: monette | Category: Advocate, ASL, Big D, Captain Kevin Donnelly, captioning, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, CART/captioning, Coach, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, CRRbooks.com, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, hepatitis C, HOH, Interpreter, late deafened, Life Coach, Management, Monette Benoit, Motivation, NCRA test prep, Oral Deaf, Real-Time, RID Sign Interpreter, SHHH, time managment, Tutor, Tutoring | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
My Village Chief is HOH, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Part I: My village chief sprinted into a parent’s hospital room wearing shorts, sandals (no socks), and a NCAA basketball T-shirt, Saturday morning.
He was all business, dressed casually. When he spoke his first two sentences, I knew. I listened and focused on the voice I know well.
When he turned his head, I saw the aid. Then, I saw the second hearing aid. …
Part II: He paused, “Can any court reporter do that?” pointing to flawless live captions.
I ducked my head, thinking … thinking. He leaned in to hear my answer.
“May I ask you something first?” I asked softly.
He nodded. Slowly, I asked, “Can any GP, general practicioner, any doctor, do what you just did?”
The doctor looked puzzled.
I asked, “Can any doctor go into an organ, one bleeding for months from cancer radiation not knowing what the doctor will find, eliminate multiple blood clots, clean the organ, and assist the patient – all in realtime – as you just did?”
He shot back in his chair, “No!”
I leaned into my village chief, “That’s my answer to you.” …
Part III: A nurse ran into the room with a phone. She said slowly, loudly, “HERE! When it rings, you answer, okay? The cardiologist will phone, okay!?”
My village chief paused before he looked away. I saw it.
Everyone could hear that nurse.
When the phone rang in my village chief’s hand, the nurse loudly said, “It’s ringing!!” He looked to the floor and said nothing before he placed that phone to his ear.
Soon, he departed without looking back, “We have to do this before this patient leaves Recovery. We only have minutes.” I thanked his back as he exited. Yes, he heard me.
A cardiologist appeared.
Soon, I answered my parent’s questions, and chose not to volunteer details while anesthesia and specialists were flowing in and nearby – all in realtime.
Then I drove to the one parent, recuperating after 57 days in hospitals now able to sit up.
I left out “Really bad. Could die …”
I focused on, “The doctors are wonderful.”
I checked meds, fed my parent, took out the trash, drove home.
That night a package arrived. (I receive a JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, for my library due to this column.) I was surprised to see the March 2010 JCR, not a current edition.
The cover detailed court reporters reporting veterans’ stories. My column that month was “A Number Of Firsts” profiling Karen Sadler, Ph.D., self-described “severely hard of hearing,” and Karen’s path to doctoral studies.
The next day I took the NCRA JCR, within envelope (to avoid others seeing my magazine), and waited for my village chief.
In IM-ICU I said, “I think this is a sign that I’m supposed to give this to you. I circled HOH and veterans articles you might enjoy.”
The proud WW II vet said, “I have multiple surgeries, and I’m helping doctors tonight. I’ll read this before I go to bed. Promise!”
He patted my arm; my JCR was tucked under his left elbow. Then, he ran down the hall to his next surgery.
We see each other often now with two parents hospitalized for seven-plus months.
Recently, a parent was re-admitted through ER, then moved to the surgical floor.
Married 57 years, my parents were 500 feet apart before an ambulance transported one parent to another hospital without letting them see each other.
When I see my chief, I call to his back (he hears), “Hey, Village Chief!”
He always turns around, “Hi! I have a patient …”
I smile, “I know. You have a patient waiting in surgery.” “Yes,” then sprints off.
When he has a moment, I share a hug.
Privately, I share events that baffle me.
“There’s too much blood – on the floor, the patient, in a cup on a shelf, in the cath; the patient does not know where the door is. Still the hospital is working to discharge this ICU patient today.”
He listens, sharing private opinions. Private opinions.
The hospital did discharge the patient hours later. I insisted that my concerned “are charted” for this patient.
The patient, my parent, was readmitted approximately 7 hours later with a 103 degree fever.
The ER staff was adamant that the hospital never should have discharged this patient, and the patient would have died that night if the patient had not returned to the ER.
I immediately requested my village chief.
He stepped back in, again this man saved my parent’s life – again – and I am listening to this wise doctor who has a passion for his work – again.
My village chief is hard of hearing, and I would have it no other way. He has saved my parent’s life so many times I have lost count.
This is perfect in my world right now.
And now I thank each of you, court reporters, broadcast captioners and CART providers for all that you do to help others – to include my village chief. Thank you, mon amis.
Part I of III is posted September 2, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted September 12, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted September 23, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
23 Sep 2011
Author: monette | Category: ADA, ASL, Big D, CART FAQ, Coaching, consultant, court reporter certification, Court Reporter Tutor, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, HV with HCV, Interpreter, late deafened, Life Coach, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Oral Deaf, Real-Time, Remote Interpreting, RID Sign Interpreter, RPR Test Prep, Uncategorized | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
“I Don’t Listen Well,” He Said, Part II of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
Part I began: When the medical specialist stood over my mother’s ICU bed and said, “I don’t listen well,” I was sure he was joking.
My mother was admitted into the hospital via ER. We thought it was a virus or food poisoning.
Soon, she was in intensive care.
Mom spent nine days, including Christmas Eve and Christmas day, in ICU.
Part II: Several professionals pushed eyeglasses down their noses to look into my eyes and ask, “Who are you again?” when I asked a direct question, then fully listened.
After many moments (several weeks), multiple shifts, medical disciplines, specialties, third-party contractors, housekeeping staff, and daily rotating staff, I am focused upon how people react with our “full listening.”
I had not wanted to “out myself” as a court reporter.
In fact, I worked to share that I’m an author – or teacher.
I asked Mom or Dad not to out me.
Each time a parent detailed, “She’s a court reporter, and she’s worked in court,” I saw a reaction.
I shared that I am here as a daughter.
(Then I would think of the “Jerry Seinfeld” show, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”)
One doctor commented that he didn’t like that I was writing down words after people spoke. (I cannot make ‘that’ up.)
I explained that I write specific words to process the many, many (long) medical terms.
Perhaps I was asked not to write, not to make notes … and I listened to that request, too.
Then I wrote the details I might not have documented. A result?
One sampling: Mom received her “unavailable until Monday” scripted medicines (for an extreme rash) and had her teeth brushed late Saturday night. Really.
How was that accomplished?
I phoned late Saturday evening and said that I would bring my camera Sunday morning if Mom was not ‘treated’ with her meds and needs.
I was focused on preventing unnecessary suffering for the patient, my mother.
The hospital staff and I could not agree on the same focus.
Part I of III is posted April 7, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted April 26, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, the Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Development of skills to author your book, your blog, and how to publish,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Professionals who want to achieve their goals, to create new possibilities, to advance their career, to author their book, and to develop the dream within,
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life?
Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material, and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students, and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students, and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
19 Apr 2011
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, ASL, Captain Kevin Drue Donnelly, Captioner, captioning prep, Career Advancement, CART FAQ, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coach, college CART, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Accuracy, court reporting test prep, court reporting tests, Court Reporting Whisperer, CSR RPR, Deaf, Dolphin Ward Floyd, Goal Setting, HCV, hepatitis C, HOH, home-study, HV with HCV, Interpreter, Kevin Drue Donnelly, late deafened, Life Coach, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA prep, NCRA RPR Test Prep, NCRA WKT, Oral Deaf, pass tests, Real-Time, realtime dictionary, religious events, Remote Interpreting, RMR RDR CSR CCR, Test Prep, Uncategorized, WKT prep, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Conflicting Goals, Your Sandbox, And Circling,
Part II of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
March 2011
Part I began: Listening to a court reporter I ‘heard’ a pattern.
The court reporter and CART provider, now gainfully employed, is seeking to advance goals. Great.
The court reporter has a full-time job. Great.
The court reporter and CART provider has full-time family responsibilities and a good commute. Fact.
Where did the ‘circling’ occur while I fulfilled this customized request to tutor and coach?
The circling, in my opinion, occurred with ‘conflicting goals’ (my term) during our tutoring and coaching schedule.
One goal would place the reporter in a specific ‘spot’ on a designated date.
Part II: I was not disrespectful when I laughed.
From my chair and window to the world it was a great comment from a professional with a tenacious personality who would do much to reach the sought goals. This is one determined individual. My laughter was true based upon the “bad marriage and trapped” comment.
Then, the court reporter also laughed. Long, hardy, loud laughter.
Sometimes we do need to throw the mud on the floor, yes?
Then we can clean it up and move on with a clear head (and timeline).
Once we agreed on the true conflicting goals, the court reporter and I then refocused with a finer attention to detail.
We ended our tutoring and coaching session with the experienced court reporter now stating this was “not feeling trapped in that bad marriage awaiting benefits each day.”
This focus on conflicting goals was a benefit.
Are you concerned that your job will end suddenly? (Many now are.)
Are you sleeping less because of your concerns? (Many now are.)
List your goals and note the distance between each, if any.
If you want to run a CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) and broadcast captioning business and you are not near that target, you have work to do.
And that’s the good part.
We have multiple choices. We do. The court reporter and CART provider contacted me shortly after we mapped our new direction.
Part I of III is posted March 4, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted March 17, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted March 28, 2011, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Monette, The Court Reporting Whisperer, may be reached: Monette@ARTCS.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal
Tutor, Motivational Management & Empowerment Coach,
Multiple Title Author of Books & Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART, & Captioning Industry
Realtime Court Reporter, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
* Educational/Career Advancement; Private Tutoring/Customized Coaching
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RMR, RDR, or a state court reporting exam?
Monette will help you to pass your test and to exceed schooling and career goals. http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=61
Did You Know: www.CRRbooks.com has material to help you advance skills for NCRA exams and state certifications?
Did You Know: You can accelerate your career with private tutoring and empowerment coaching?
Court reporting veteran Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Empowerment coaching and tutoring topics include:
• Motivational skills to keep you moving forward,
• Time-management skills,
• Process learning for more effective retention,
• Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills, and much more.
Who comes to Monette for tutoring and empowerment coaching?
• Veteran and novice court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners brushing up on their skills for test-taking requirements,
• In-class students who feel they’re “stuck” and falling behind, or aren’t ready for the required tests,
• Students and veterans who struggle with focus, goal-setting, time-management or other life skills that might be interfering in their upward success,
• At-home students who want to ensure they’re on track for their exam and career goals,
• Veteran court reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners expanding their career options in related fields,
• Students and veterans alike who find they’re struggling with key areas of daily practice,
• Students or veterans who have begun to question their career or whether they’re on the “right track” …
Check out: Reach Your Goals with Tutoring and Empowerment Coaching
http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29
Monette Benoit, the Court Reporting Whisperer, can help you achieve at much high levels.
Where do you want to go? What have you really wanted to do with your career, and ultimately, your life? Specific custom-designed guidance efficiently assists you!
About Monette Benoit:
As a 25+ year court reporter, CART provider, author of NCRA test prep material and an instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes and the 225 homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands the challenges many adults now face in our industry and schooling.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART providers, captioners, students and instructors. She has also helped create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has greatly assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to privately reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is a blog containing information for busy professionals, students and individuals who are fearless and seek to create their success each day.
17 Mar 2011
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, ASL, Captain Kevin Donnelly, Captioner, captioning, CART FAQ, Coach, college CART, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Accuracy, Court reporting students, court reporting test prep, court reporting tests, Court Reporting Whisperer, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, hepatitis C, home-study, HV with HCV, Kevin Drue Donnelly, late deafened, Life Coach, Management, Monette Benoit, Monette's Musings, Monnie Floyd, Motivation, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA test prep, Prep Court Reporting, Real-Time, religious events, RMR RDR CSR CCR, technology, Test Prep, The Panama Story, time managment, Tutor, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, Veterans Helping Veterans, Written Exam, www.CRRbooks.com | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
De-Can’t The I Can’t, Part III of III
By Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
November/December 2010
Part I began: This November/December column was prompted after listening to an experienced court reporter express their “current mindset” during private coaching and tutoring.
The reporter, with vast experience, said, “I can’t do that. There can’t be no opportunities.” I was unclear if this was a comical statement or personal observation.
When the sentence was defined, at my request, the court reporter stated, “That’s really my opinion. But I really believe I can’t!” My reply was a simple, “Hmm. How’s that?”
This professional then listed a bucket of reasons and detailed explanations. Sentence after sentence began “I can’t …”
Due to “precise listening” in our court reporting field, we know there are high-frequency words and phrases. We know that all court reporting students are taught the phrase “I can’t” in a brief form.
As the holidays approach, I invite you to focus on the number of times you (I will include myself here) use the “I can’t” phrase.
What does this have to do with our work, our path? …
PART II began: I did not know the man, though I knew the national corporation.
Rather than discuss my shoe size with a list of questions clearly being trolled with multiple captioning and CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) offices (he confirmed this trolling, upon my request), I asked that he print the list and send the questions to me. Mr. IT Man quickly said, “I can’t.”
I paused and said softly, “Sir, you are clearly reading from a list. You are clearly asking me proprietary questions about my business. I’d like to clearly see your name on letterhead due to the nature of your specific questions, which you are entering into a computer.” (I could hear him typing. Yes, he confirmed that he was entering my information into a company database.) Again the IT Man said, “I can’t.”
I thanked him for the opportunity to work with the national company and assured him that he would find competent help with this service request. …
PART III: When we turn the “I can’t” phrase around and define our moments and our events with words that are powerful, we note differences in our world, our work, and our schooling. We do.
I want to invite you to note the frequency in which you (and perhaps individuals you work and live with) use this phrase.
My opinion is the focus in the phrase is similar to a focus with red cars (as an example).
When someone points out a specific red car, and we make a mental note of the red car, there ‘seem’ to be red cars everywhere.
Recently, while coaching and tutoring two individuals, I listened to the high-frequency “I can’t” phrase – a lot.
When I drew attention to the phrase, each stated, “It would be impossible to not use the wording.” Hmm.
I invited each, a professional, court reporter, CART provider, captioner, instructor, and a student, to place a dollar in a jar every time they avoided the phrase “I can’t” and to reward the moment for each opportunity where there was a focus and a shift.
Was this successful? Yes.
Each shared that their personal and professional world changed – within a short period of time – from this one simple focus.
One individual donated the money from the “I Can’t Dollar Jar” to a charity; the other purchased a coveted item as a reward.
Words have power. Words define who we are at the moment.
Court reporters, CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) providers and captioners are word people.
We are really, really good word people with sophisticated (finely-trained) disciplines.
“De-can’t the I can’t” and note the new moments and resourceful experiences that will begin to appear in realtime.
We have limitless choices with ‘huge’ potential.
Our choices then develop and unfold when we revise, amend, and modify our wording and our focus.
And what might you do with a “I Can’t Dollar Jar?” Oh, the possibilities … Happy Holidays.
Part I of III is posted November 14, 2010, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part II of III is posted December 2, 2010, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
Part III of III is posted December 15, 2010, on Monette’s Musings at www.monettebenoit.com and www.CRRbooks.com
—–Monette, named the Court Reporting Whisperer by students, may be reached: Monette.purplebooks@CRRbooks.com
Purple Books – Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com * Advance skills, pass NCRA and State exams the 1st time
Monette Benoit, B. B.A., CCR, CRI, CPE, Paralegal, CART Captioner, Instructor, Consultant, Columnist
Since 1990: Multiple Title Author of Books & Purple Books Test Prep for the Court Reporting, CART Captioning Profession
An American RealTime/Captioning Services, LLC: www.ARTCS.com Blog: Monette’s Musings, www.monettebenoit.com
Have you failed NCRA’s RPR, RDR, or a State exam? More than once? Purple Books “Done in One” has a 98% successful pass rate on exams with sets as evidenced by thousands of students and professionals who pass their RPR, CSR, and RDR exams on the first test. Testimonials: www.CRRbooks.com.
Reach Your Goals: http://crrbooks.com/index.php?cPath=29 Where do you want to go? Specific custom-designed guidance will efficiently assist you!
About Monette Benoit: As a 30+ year court reporter, CART captioner, author of NCRA and State test-prep material, instructor, public speaker, Monette Benoit has taught multiple theories, academics, all speed classes, and 225-homeroom within NCRA-approved schools and a community college. She understands challenges many adults face in our industry.
In 1993, she began to CART caption to a large screen for a Deaf mass, San Antonio, Texas. Wonderful opportunities then presented from Big D, Little D, Oral Deaf, HOH consumers -each with special moments.
Monette Benoit has worked with thousands of professionals, court reporters, CART captioners, students, instructors. She has helped to create new court reporting training programs, worked with federal grants, and assisted instructors in developing curriculum for both in-class and at-home students.
Her one-on-one tutoring, private coaching, has assisted thousands of students, novice and experienced professionals to reach the next level.
Monette’s Musings is an informative, motivational, and funny blog for busy professionals and students who seek to create their success and who seek to enjoy this special path.
15 Dec 2010
Author: monette | Category: ADA, Advocate, ASL, Big D, Captioner, captioning, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Court Reporting Whisperer, Deaf: Deaf Smith, Dolphin Ward Floyd, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, HOH, home-study, Interpreter, Laney Fox, late deafened, Life Coach, Management, Monette's Musings, Motivation, NCRA, NCRA Court Reporters, NCRA test prep, Oral Deaf, Real-Time, Remote Interpreting, RID Sign Interpreter, SHHH, The Alamo, The Panama Story, The Texas Spy, time managment, Tutor & Empowerment Coach, WKT prep | Tags: Court Reporter Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Deaf Smith, The Texas Spy, History, Alamo, Captioning, CART, and Laney Fox
By Monette Benoit
Copyright 2007 by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
I first learned about Deaf Smith in 1993 when I entered Deaf culture as a realtime court reporter, CARTing, captioning to large screens for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
I was stunned I did not know about this daring, bold hero of the Alamo. My Deaf friends simply shrugged, “It’s because you’re hearing.” As an educator, CART Captioner, and private tutor with strong roots within Texas, I immediately phoned my mother when I could to ask, “How did I miss that?”
Many people in Texas trace their family lines back to the Texas Revolution.
The Alamo (which means “cottonwood” in Spanish) was surrounded by General Santa Anna with 3,000 troops. Colonial Travis sent an appeal to help 188 patriots inside the fortress. Thirty-two men and boys from Gonzales, Texas, marched 90 miles, crossing Mexican Army lines to enter the besieged Alamo.
I am a descendant of a “Gonzales Fighter.”
Dolphin Ward Floyd left a nine-month pregnant wife and four-year old son – knowing he would not come back.
He was murdered within the Alamo on March 6, 1836, on his thirty-second birthday. Floyd County is named after his sacrifice; his widow received a land grant. My longhorn-ranching Gonzales, cousins Rufus and Raquet Floyd, shared facts, stories and lore that have passed from generations, as did my mother.
Yet I never knew about Deaf Smith until 1993.
As a court reporter, while providing CART (communication access realtime translation) at a Deaf banquet at the Lone Star Brewery, downtown San Antonio, with the sun setting, wind blowing, children playing cowboys and Indians (in full costume) around my one-legged large screen and my husband kneeling to hold that screen with two hands – there – I learned about a fearless Deaf soldier who crossed enemy lines to read lips changing history as we know it.
Erastus Smith was born in New York on April 19, 1787.
Born hearing, Smith became deaf as a child; later he was called Deaf Smith. In 1821, Deaf Smith moved near San Antonio. He married Mexican widow Guadalupe Ruiz Duran in 1822; they had four daughters.
Smith first joined Stephen F. Austin’s Texas Republican Army in Gonzales after a Mexican soldier denied Smith permission to visit his wife and family near the start of the Texas Revolution.
Smith used his deafness to gather intelligence as a courier and military spy. In October 1835, Smith was wounded in battle. General Sam Houston soon promoted Smith to captain.
The Texas army retreated with Santa Anna in pursuit after the 11-day Alamo battle. All the bodies at the Alamo were burned by Santa Anna’s 1,300 man-army. Three weeks later in Goliad, Santa Anna ordered the massacre of 300 prisoners from the Battle of Coleto Creek.
San Jacinto’s battle was forty-six days after the Alamo. (My dad took my mother to the San Jacinto battlefield on their first date. I still tease my mother, “And you went on a second date?”)
Deaf Smith, soldier, scout, guide, was instrumental in the defeat of Santa Anna and the Mexican Army when Deaf Smith informed General Houston about Vince’s Bridge – the path of retreat or support for both sides near San Jacinto. Smith was ordered to destroy Vince’s Bridge. The Mexican army, unable to retreat, was trapped after Vince’s Bridge burned. Houston led 800 volunteers against Santa Anna’s 1300-man Mexican Army.
Shouting “Remember The Alamo! Remember Goliad!” Texans killed 630 Mexican soldiers, captured Santa Anna and ended the war. Texas lost eight volunteers and was liberated from Mexico at San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. Texas won independence from Mexico to become an independent republic, October 22, 1836.
After the war, Deaf Smith remained active and led a company of Texas Rangers.
Mrs. Deaf Smith was profiled in my NCRA, National Court Reporters Association, JCR ‘Beyond The Comfort Zone’ column when Laney Fox-Smith wrote about her performance in the Ms. Deaf Texas pageant. Laney shares how she researched the role.
Laney Fox-Smith:
When I started thinking what to do for my talent for the 2001 Ms. Deaf Texas, I wasn’t sure what to do. I couldn’t sing or dance! I wanted something special that was originally from Texas. I researched Deaf Culture to see if there was anything related to Texas. Then I came across Erastus “Deaf” Smith, a Deaf hero from Texas. While researching history for Erastus ‘Deaf’ Smith, I learned that a county in Texas is named after Deaf Smith.
As I studied history, I learned about Deaf Smith’s family. He married a Mexican widow, and they had four children. That was when I decided to dress as his wife with traditional Mexican clothing. I went downtown to San Antonio’s El Mercado and bought a green Mexican skirt and white top. My hair was braided so I looked like a Mexican woman from the 1800s! I had an excellent tutor, Brain Barwise, who helped me prepare my presentation in ASL, American Sign Language.
During Miss Deaf Texas for my talent, I performed a factual story, a poem I wrote, on how Deaf Smith was brave to infiltrate within the Mexican camp to determine military strategies and to help Texas win the battle. Deaf Smith had a keen sense of what was happening, so he was able to learn where the Mexicans were going to move next.
I learned that Deaf Smith became deaf after birth due to childhood disease. I became deaf around 9 months old. My parents think that it was due to a 103 degree fever; my father put me into a tub of ice to get my fever down. I am profoundly deaf; I wonder if I would have any hearing if he had not put me into the tub.
I learned Smith initially did not want to get involved with the wars; he didn’t want to pick sides. Unfortunately, he was forced to pick a side after the Mexicans refused to let him enter San Antonio to visit his wife and daughters. Then Smith joined forces with General Sam Houston.
Researching historical records, Deaf Smith seems to be a fair and neutral person. When I spoke to people originally from Mexico about the Texan Revolution, they tell me Texas was stolen from them. I can understand from their perspective; it was originally Mexico. I learned Deaf Smith was an excellent scout. He knew shortcuts, which later helped him to defeat the Mexican forces. He died November 30, 1837; his Richmond monument says “Deaf Smith, The Texas Spy.”
I think that once someone loses a sense, his other senses become stronger. Even though I do not hear well, I am able to see better in my peripheral vision and be more observant of my surroundings. Erastus Smith mastered lip reading in both English and Spanish. This is quite a feat! I am still learning to master English with lip-reading skills!
Many people aren’t aware that English has a lot of phonemes, which represents sound. A Lamar University professor stated English itself is 80 percent phonemical, which is very difficult on deaf people. We rely on content to see the difference between moat and boat, which looks identical on the lips. Many English words appear similar on the lips. I have heard that an effective lip-reader understands only 40 percent of what is said. I believe that statistic because if I had to rely on lip reading alone (without my hearing aid), I would be more lost.
It is really important for me to use my hearing aid to hear the difference between moat and boat. So, I was very impressed when I learned Deaf Smith lip-read two languages!
My husband is currently a Spanish instructor. When I have seen him speak Spanish, I am lost. I understand only basic Spanish words (hola, como estas? and muy bien). I have watched the actors and actresses in Spanish soap operas; their lips are moving so fast! It seems like Spanish is a fast language!
Erastus “Deaf” Smith is truly a chameleon to learn dual languages and to become a hero for the Deaf!
Monette adds: And for the hearing, too.
About Monette:
Monette Benoit, B. B.A.,
Certified Court Reporter, Certified Reporting Instructor, Certified Program Evaluator, Paralegal, Columnist
Multiple-Title Author of Books & Test-Prep for the Court Reporting, CART/Captioning Industry
Purple Books – Court Reporter Reference Books & CDs: www.CRRbooks.com
All American RealTime/Captioning Services, Inc.: www.ARTCS.com
Blog: Monette’s Musings, Monette’s Musings
Court reporting veteran, author, instructor, publisher, public speaker, Monette Benoit can help you achieve your goals.
Customized information; test-prep for the court reporting, CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning industry; tutoring, coaching; articles; academic books; and CATapult dictionary building lexica.
98% successful pass – 29 years, counting – with Purple Books. Prepared by Experienced Educators & Working CART Captioners, Court Reporters. Purple Books has the largest test-prep for NCRA’s RPR, RDR; State CSRs; and NY’s Civil Service exams.
Purple Books Complete Set – Purple Books Trio Set
Purple Books updated textbook, workbook, companion guide used by schools & candidates, covers all elements tested by NCRA’s RPR, RDR; State CSRs, NY’s Civil Service exams.
Thousands of students and reporters “Purple-Up” and continue to pass NCRA’s RPR, RDR; State CSRs, and NY’s Civil Service exams the first time with Purple Books sets. Test prep with actual guided instruction and testing strategies!
Coaching and tutoring topics include: Motivational and time-management skills; Process learning for more effective retention; Communication skills, daily interaction improvement skills; and much more.
Purple Books updated textbook, workbook, and companion guide are used by schools and testing candidates. Material covers all elements tested by NCRA’s RPR, RDR; State CSRs, NY’s Civil Service exams.
Monette Benoit assists court reporting students and reporters to earn new certifications and to advance careers.
Named the ‘Court Reporting Whisperer’ by students, she may be reached: monette.purplebooks@crrbooks.com and Monette@CRRbooks.com
26 Aug 2008
Author: monette | Category: 95 % pass rate written exam, ADA, Advocate, ASL, Big D, Captain Kevin Donnelly, CART provider, CART/captioning, Coaching, college CART, consultant, court reporter certification, court reporter test prep, Court Reporter Tutor, Deaf, Goal Setting, Hard of Hearing, HCV, HOH, home-study, Interpreter, Laney Fox, late deafened, Life Coach, Management, Monette Benoit, NCRA, Oral Deaf, Real-Time, SHHH, Sign Interpreters, time managment, Tutoring | Tags: Court Reporting Whisperer, Tutor & Empowerment Coach
Hear’s Laney: 2007 CART and Captioning Update
By Monette Benoit
Copyright by Monette Benoit, All Rights Reserved.
May 2000, my NCRA JCR, Journal of Court Reporting, column ran Mark Cuss Said to the Nymphs, “The phone rang Friday, 2:30. ‘Would you realtime a class? We need you Monday. It started two months ago. Oh, it’s Latin.’ Monday morning, the university student arrived, looked at me, my equipment near her seat, and stopped. I wrote, ‘My name is Monette. I’ve been asked to help you. Today will be the worst day. We’ll work as a team. I promise I’ll get better.’ I began Latin; Callisto and nymphs were having a metamorphosis over the birth of Arcas, Juno and constellations …”
June 2000, I detailed Laney’s Latin: Hearing Not Required about Laney’s experiences as an oral deaf college student, learning sign language, receiving CART. Born hearing, Laney became deaf at 13 months. She mainstreamed in fourth grade after nine years of oral education. I knew more sign language, deaf culture than she when we met. Oh, how I enjoyed watching Laney’s world expand; her responses receiving CART. I also introduced Laney to deaf in San Antonio, my friends, companions. They loved her!
March 2002, Laney’s Luminous Life profiled Laney becoming Miss Deaf Texas First Runner-Up. I was in Florida, a sign interpreter in San Antonio phoned, reading text messages from deaf onsite, all realtime updates, as Laney competed in Austin. We ooh-ed and ahhh-ed as a team while she competed. Laney portrayed the wife of Deaf Smith, who lived in San Antonio, assisted Sam Houston in his victory with in Battle of San Jacinto, immediately after Alamo battle.
June 2003, Laney: Always An Adventure featured Laney as she graduated, volunteering with DeafWay, the zoo, observing primates and goals become a veterinarian. Each article is listed www.CRRbooks.com per Laney.
‘Hear’ we are, 2007. One Monday morning, here in Texas, there was an email from Laney. I just knew this email would be entertaining.
“Hi, Monette! I often wonder how you are! I’m married to a wonderful man, Tim Smith. I have so much to tell you; we bought a house. I’m learning about remodeling. I learned how to take laminated floor off and how to add them.
I’m working as a teacher, completing my second year! I’m hoping to become a school counselor, but I must teach three years. I will teach another year, then head to Gallaudet University to get an Educational Counseling degree. That may be my second masters! That’s my plan.
I have a Masters in Deaf Education from Lamar University. My husband has a Masters in Modern Language. I’m actually using sign now since I’m a teacher at a school for the deaf.
I met Tim at Camp Summit. Tim oversaw all male unit leaders/counselors. He wanted to learn sign language; I was happy to be his tutor.
I found you, Monette, when I Googled myself. I was surprised to see my name on an ASL university site talking about Deaf Smith. The author discovered I performed a poem on Deaf Smith for my Ms. Deaf Texas talent. This was pretty ironic because I dressed up to be Mrs. Deaf Smith. Now my last name is Fox-Smith. Who would have thought I would have Smith in my name? Then, I came across your articles. I realized how much I missed talking to you!
Here is my update: We married May 26, 2006; we eloped. Monday we decided to marry that Friday. We called our families about date, time. My family drove Friday afternoon to see us married in a courthouse. We loved the stress-free environment!
Let me rewind and give you an update since Trinity University. I graduated May 2003. (Laney and I wrote an update after her graduation.)
A friend encouraged me to go to Camp Summit. I was hired as “unit leader.” I met Tim there. I fell in love, moving to Dallas with him. I looked for a job, worked as a substitute teacher.
I received a job offer from Texas School for the Deaf, TSD (Austin), to work as a teacher aide. I decided this would be a good experience for me, so we began a long-distance relationship.
I lived in Austin with a friend. There I worked with an amazing teacher in the Special Needs Department! I decided I wanted to become a teacher.
I was accepted by Lamar University. I attended Lamar for about one year and a half taking as many courses as I could. I got lucky, received a rare summer internship! I worked at the National Deaf Academy in Mount Dora, Florida! What an amazing experience working with special children for ten weeks.
Tim visited; he fell in love with that town. I received a possible job offer, but there wasn’t any university nearby. Tim wanted to continue teaching. Instead we went back to Austin; I graduated August 2005.
I went back to TSD to work as a teacher! It was a good year for me. I was with Tim, seeing old faces at TSD. I met teacher aids who told me they wanted to become teachers. I told them they could become certified teachers within a year and half! In fact, I encouraged one deaf teacher aide now attending Lamar. We always need more deaf teachers, so that was really cool! To share my story and experience with another and inspire them to go back to school was really rewarding.
Tim and I moved to be close to his work (college instructor). We bought a house.
Tim proposed Christmas Eve. I kinda knew right before he proposed because he got all formal. He was like “when I first met you …” I knew instantly. I couldn’t wait until he finished. I wanted him to finish what he was saying, so I felt I had to pretend I didn’t know what he was doing! I got all nervous! I was sorta in shock. “Wow, he proposed to me …” Of course, the answer was yes. He proposed while hiking at a park. We love the outdoors.
Now I work at a charter school. I teach 4th/5th math, 7th math, 8th math, 3rd/6th/7th Language Arts (LA), 10th LA, and 9th LA. It is really nice to work with deaf. I have hearing students, as well.
I am getting more and more involved with the deaf community. My main communication now is usually sign. I talk to Tim with my voice; Tim signs back, which is pretty funny!
People watching get confused who is deaf or hearing! Recently, a cashier thought I was hearing, Tim was deaf. She talked to me, so I would interpret to Tim. I turned to my husband asking him what she said. Tim interpreted for me. It was really funny to see her expression!
I also tutor, teaching sign. One student decided to quit work, return to college to become an interpreter! I told her about CART; she hasn’t seen CART in action yet. But I hope that she will be open-minded about interpreters and CART like you are! It is important to have everyone working together as a family!
Monette: Next we’ll share more with another article and add Erastus Smith, aka, Deaf Smith, huge hero in deaf culture – especially in Texas. We’re family, and Laney is off to the library tonight, Monday, after work, to ensure we have all details correct.
Monette may be contacted: Tutoring@CRRbooks.com
21 Aug 2008