By Donna M. Urlaub – donna@urlaubbowen.com Lately, even I find myself wondering how, at the age of 73, I continue to win speed and realtime contests, most recently having a perfect paper on the 280 wpm Testimony leg of the National contest. I mean, am I not in cognitive decline? (Although I will confess that I was looking for my phone while talking on it last night.) The answer is: I practice. To many things: World News Tonight, podcast interviews of experts, 60 Minutes, Smithsonian channel, How It’s Made. I learn a lot from all of the above, and continue to come across words that are not in my dictionary. I practice not only on my machine, but in my mind. I can’t hear a word without converting it to steno in my brain. A while ago I tired of having the conflict stain/sustain, so I opted to use STAIN … Read More
Advice from a Steno Speed Champion
Donna Urlaub has had quite a remarkable track record when it comes to competing in national and state speed and realtime contests. Not only is she the 2021 National Speed Contest Champion, but she also brought home the gold in 2022 as the Illinois Speed and Realtime Champion, topping both national and state wins with perfect papers! Her practice is the key, and she’s constantly working on her skill. Below is an excerpt from a recent interview Donna gave for the Illinois Court Reporters Association (ILCRA) newsletter, sharing her advice and insight for, well, just about anyone in this industry. Feel free to scroll through and check out what she has to say! GN: Do you have any advice: a. for students? DU: Join your state and national associations. It’s crazy cheap for students, and you will learn so much/make great connections/maybe even win stuff, get money! Make it … Read More