STENOGRAPH PRESIDENT JOHN WENCLAWSKI TOUTS BENEFITS OF VOICE REPORTING TECHNOLOGY AT 45TH INTERSTENO CONGRESS

He emphasizes importance of technology in advancing the reporting profession as he broadcasts his speech globally in realtime.

 

VIENNA, AUSTRIA July 26, 2005 – Stenograph President John Wenclawski addressed the 45th Intersteno Congress on Tuesday to update the world about several industry-altering products Stenograph has brought to market and to stress that reporters should embrace technology to move the profession forward.

President Wenclawski’s remarks were broadcast worldwide in realtime using CaseCATalyst computer-aided transcription software combined with the efforts of reporter Randy Czerenda, who is also an international consultant for Stenograph, and Speche Communications, a Stenograph company. About 500 Congress attendees watched as Wenclawski’s spoken remarks appeared in realtime text. Czerenda later used IBM ViaVoice and CaseCATalyst version 7 to show how new voice recognition software technology works as an alternative input to machine shorthand. 
            “It is critical for all of us to embrace technology in our profession, as well as in our personal lives,” Wenclawski said. “It is extremely important to have the human element involved on the front end to guarantee control of the environment and the accuracy of capturing the spoken word.”

Wenclawski also addressed concerns that voice recognition software could make machine shorthand obsolete. “Voice recognition has some very interesting attributes; at the same time it has numerous limitations. A machine shorthand typist like Randy Czerenda is the best form of speech recognition and will probably continue to the be the best form throughout the duration of my professional career. That said, we must recognize the strengths of new technology and embrace them.”
            He cited the reporter shortage as a reason to integrate technology for those who are learning the profession to boost the number of reporters worldwide. “When voice recognition has a place in this world, it is for people who are unwilling to invest the two years necessary to utilize the shorthand machine or who don’t have access to quality training.”
            President Wenclawski also described two new writers that Stenograph introduced July 21 at the NCRA Convention. The Stentura Fusion, which uses paper, and the élan Mira A3, which does not use paper, both have built-in audio synchronization to help reporters capture a more accurate record. “It is our experience and commitment that drive Stenograph to take the traditional shorthand machine and advance it by using the latest technology,” he said.
            He pledged to continue to develop new tools for capturing the spoken word. “We will make it easier to deliver text to anyone anywhere in the world. It will be timely, easy and affordable. The profession has a long history, but also a very bright future.” 
                                                                
For more information or to view a transcript of President Wenclawski’s speech, visit www.stenograph.com and www.speche.com.

CONTACT:

Lisa Greenberg
Marketing communications specialist

(847) 803-1400 x 2282
lgreenberg@stenograph.com


About Stenograph

Stenograph LLC is committed to providing a total solution for the information technology needs of the court reporting and captioning communities. Stenograph is a manufacturer and marketer of shorthand writing machines, computer-aided transcription (CAT) software, court reporting and other industry-related supplies. Stenograph’s Web site provides a comprehensive resource for reporters, including online shopping, extensive technical support and much more. Stenograph is headquartered in Mount Prospect, Ill. For more information, call (800) 228-2339.