Magnum Steno Club Testimonials

Mark,

I just wanted to share my good news with the Magnum Steno Club and list what I felt were the main elements that contributed to my success. First and foremost, I give credit to God as being the main reason I passed the Texas CSR this past January. My continued faith in Him was the only thing that kept me going. In addition to God in my life, I give credit to you and your speed videos as well as your instructional ones.

I believe there are two types of students -- those who we lovingly call "freaks" and those who have to work hard for every speed they achieve. Actually, let's not forget those students who quit. I was a student who had above-average aptitude for court reporting, but I had to work incredibly hard once I hit the upper speeds. After years of frustration at not being able to obtain the speed and accuracy necessary to graduate much less qualify to take the CSR, I decided at the beginning of this past school semester that I was going to do everything it took to get out of school. I practiced six to eight hours a day, even weekends. This resulted in a lot of stress, tension, and pain in my upper back. I started going weekly to a chiropractor as well as a massage therapist to try to relieve my pain. Nothing helped, but I continued practicing at this same intensity. I was determined to succeed if it killed me -- not literally. I would sit through testing with tears rolling down my face because of the pain in my shoulders and back. I made a mental adjustment and decided to give 100% of my effort regardless of the failures that I faced on a daily basis. I have never been challenged in life as much as I have in school.

I started Magnum Steno a week before I was to take the Louisiana test this past October. I had been passing tests in school all semester within state standards; but once it came to the actual Q&A that I needed to become a La. CSR, my hands started to shake uncontrollably for the ENTIRE five minutes. I fought for every word that I wrote. I had 85 errors on that test. Two weeks later I took the RPR. I passed the Jury and Q&A, but missed the Lit by three errors. Instead of letting this get me down, I remembered you saying in one of your videos that it didn't matter if I failed a test or not, that I just needed to do my best and give everything I had. There would always be another opportunity to test again. I felt no shame because I truly had given it my best effort.

On the day of the RPR, I realized what it was that was subconsciously holding me back. I was so worried about who in my life was going to be disappointed if I failed these tests. I finally decided that I had to do it for ME. From then on the only one I allowed to enter the testing room besides myself was God. From the middle of October to January 9th, I practiced your methods of giving 100% of my effort, to do my best to stay on top of the speaker, to block out all thoughts during the test, and to get a stroke for every word and make it the best stroke possible. I couldn't always prevent thoughts from popping in my head during a test; but with a little practice, I was able to immediately push them out. I was surprised to realize that the more I practiced the Magnum Steno way, the less time I actually had to spend on my machine outside of school. Both my speed and accuracy increased. This also alleviated some pain in my back. I was practicing smarter.

I apologize for being so lengthy, but I just wanted you to know that Magnum Steno played a huge role in my recent success. I continue with Magnum Steno because I still have a leg to go for both Louisiana and the RPR. I also plan on trying for my CRR. Thanks to you, I have full confidence in my continued success.

Sincerely,

Corina E. Lozano

Hi Mark,

Well, I guess some people think we are nuts! After a convention, I had bought Realtime Coach, and it is great for students, not working reporters or captioners, so I felt it was somewhat of a waste of money. But not so with Magnum Steno Club. It has helped me tremendously, just that extra little bit that I needed. My niece just passed her California CSR and wants to caption, so I refered her to the Club, too, to keep up her speed. The encouragement you offer is appreciated, also. We don't get that much working from home, but I do love working from home.

God bless you, and keep up the great work!

Diana

Hi Mark,

Thought I would write you a note and give you some feedback. I love the Magnum Steno Club and what it has done for my writing. I love the speed building and know it is making a difference, but I especially love the briefs. I’m through Briefs 101, the eighth session. I’ve had to make some changes, which are a process, but have been worth the time and effort. When you’re at a job and they come naturally, what a beautiful thing. I’ve looked at the ninth part and see that it is “me” and “my” in the right hand, which is fabulous. It means I need to change the final “m” from being my right-handed him, but that’s easy enough. I’ve also used some of the other briefs practices – those and these in the right hand. Beautiful!! That’s been a tricky one, but oh, what a blessing when I get it at my jobs. I love, love “going to, going to be, going to have,” et cetera. My, oh, my. I’m loving every minute of it, and I’m not doing it to prepare for a test necessarily – although after 22 years, I really should be a merit writer – I am doing this because I love my job and love it even more now. I also love writing common words and endings in one stroke. I’m getting the hang of dragging the final l, with the k, which is so cool. I keep thinking why didn’t I think of that? You have been a tremendous blessing to me, and I thank God for the gifts and talents He’s given to you and that you are willing to share. I’m in this for the long haul. God bless you and your family and Happy 2010!!!

Mindi

Mark,

I'm dying to tell you about my deposition yesterday. It was eight hours of an unhappy and very argumentative lawyer being deposed, not to mention the other two throwing in objection after objection. For eight hours I was not given the typical could you read that last question and answer back, please? No. It was can you go back to the place where I said "blah, blah" and tell this man exactly what I said followed by the questioning attorney saying, well, then repeat exactly what I asked to be fair.

A few weeks ago I would have been debating in my mind whether I should stop the arguing and upset them or whether to try and hold on for dear life and pray my untranslates and drops weren't so bad that they would see how unsure of myself I was as I stuttered through the mess and regretted the decision I made to keep quiet.

Not yesterday though. I was getting every single word no matter how heated it got. When I read back it was not small portions by any means, and I didn't have even one misstroke. My notes were beautiful. I had the arguments. I had the interruptions and the more it happened the better I felt. For the first time in my court reporting career I didn't feel the blood drain from my face when I was asked to read back. My confidence went through the roof! I kept thinking to myself I really am a super reporter! LOL.

I am so excited about the magnum steno program and the difference I'm seeing in my writing. That 10-15 minutes a day makes all the difference in the world!

Lisa R.

Good morning, Mark,

Just wanted to let you know that your method is working wonders. I've still got a lot of learning to do, but I've only been at it for a week. When I got my first 225 under 25 errors, I thought I would never get another one. It turned out that I got my other one that I needed to graduate the next day. Having said that, I REALLY didn't think I would get another one under 25 errors. If I take anything away from Magnum Steno, it's the ability to focus and block out all the mindless chatter that I usually have going on in my head during a test. I was sitting in class on Monday, and the room was extremely hot. A third of the class is hot, a third of the class is cold and a third of the class is just right. Anyway, I didn't complain because I've already met my requirements for graduation. I didn't say anything in spite of the fact that I have to be constantly aware of my high blood pressure. I literally thought I was going to pass out and fall on the floor, but I wasn't going to say anything. The temperature is a REAL BIG issue at our school between the students and teachers. I focused and got through the test, but I didn't transcribe it until later because I had a doctor's appointment. When I did get a chance to translate it, within the alloted hour, there were two kids yak, yak, yakking around me the whole time. I finally lost it and told them to HUSH. I got my results back the next day. I got a 21 on it. I couldn't believe it. I know I'm prepared for Saturday's test in Louisiana. If I could focus through nearly passing out and edit with kids around, there's no way I won't nail that test.

I've been going on an on and on about your website to my classmates. You should expect a call from a lot of the upper speed class soon -- especially since they've seen how it's worked for me so far.

Eternally grateful,

Corina E. Lozano

Hi Mark!

I am doing five 45-minute practice sessions a day [THIS is a dedicated reporter, folks! - MK]. I'm relatively confident with Jury Charge and Literary, but I am only able to do 225 on certain dictations, for about a minute, on a good day, if everything goes smoothly, etc. etc... So, that is where I need to improve. And, of course, fine tune JC and Lit while I'm at it...

Since, joining Magnum Steno I'm essentially using your archived speedbuilding videos as my sole dictations. I also own the Accelerator Series--Testimony, Captioning, and Jury Charge--from NCRA. I've also downloaded several 230 and 240 wpm practice dictations from NCRA. However, as you suggest in your Speed Method instructional videos, I am now only using the 230, 240 speeds to verify that I can still write accurately. Before MS I would work all week towards seeing progress in a certain dictation. For example, this week I had been working on a 240 and was only able to occasionally write it in spurts, and it felt overwhelmingly fast. But, after one day of doing MS I retried the same 240--and I remind you it was HORRIBLE before). It sounded slow after the MS speeds, and it was greatly improved. After ONE day! I can hardly believe that one day of MS could do that, but I was already "sold" on your methods after your seminar and now they just continue to affirm themselves.

I'm open to doing more sessions a day, but perhaps after my WKT next Thursday... I don't want to overshadow that portion and not pass because I didn't put in enough time. MS was the best purchase I've made--it even trumps my Diamante! I hope that it can be the "game-changer" in testimony for me! I just wish I'd started it sooner! November 7th is arriving all too soon! But, I also signed up for the Illinois CSR December 19th (sort of as a backup in case I didn't get the RPR first time), so I will continue to diligently prepare for that with MS.

Thanks for your help! I'm open to any suggestions you have. I'm actually excited to practice today--almost as much as I am about a big Alabama win this weekend over Ole' Miss! I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Laura Parker

Six weeks ago, I was wondering how on Earth I was ever going to be a realtime writer with the tools I had been given at school. I was very, very sad. I watched our bank account dwindle down by $15,000 over 2 years with no career in sight. I was doing everything right - went to school every day, practiced several hours every day, and could not understand why after 2 years I could barely write 180. Was I too old? Did I lack talent? Was it folly to think I could do this at my age?

Well, now I know - I was in a bad "arranged" marriage to a theory and school that were in complete conflict with my skills and goals. I'm sure similar stories and situations abound across the country.

Sorry to keep gushing like this, but I feel so at home writing short that my reaction is that of a prisoner set free after being kept shackled in a dungeon for 2 years with nothing to eat but moldy bread and fetid water. Well, anyway, you get the picture. . . briefs and phrases are like sunshine and ambrosia! - "M."

Mark, I wanted to tell you that I've practiced every single day since the TCRA convention when you gave a week's free trial to your Magnum Steno Club. I joined after just three days of the trial. I'm one of those write-perfect-and-drop reporters so I absolutely hate writing at the high speeds you're dictating but I saw an improvement after just two days of practice.

Now, after three weeks of practicing every day, I've noticed lots more improvement. It's so motivating to actually be able to tell a difference in such a short period of time that I keep practicing every day. I almost skipped tonight after a long day in depositions, but finally set up my machine and did it.

See you in D.C.! - Lisa H.

June 24, 2009: Here is my story so far...

I have been reporting for 15 years and I am an MI-CSR and RPR. I recently moved to Texas and have to recertify in order to work here. I joined MSC at the beginning of June to get ready for the CSR. I watched the instructional videos and followed the instructions. I practiced every day. The great news is, I totally ROCKED on the Texas CSR today. I couldn't believe how absolutely slow the dictation seemed. Four weeks ago, I was struggling with regular test speeds, and today there were giant gaps between the words; so much so that I didn't have to use phrasing briefs if I didn't want to.

The precursor to the story is, this practice method helped me finally pass the CRR. Several years ago, I attended one of Mark's speed building boot camps. I had taken the CRR twice before attending the boot camp and just could not pass. Couldn't even turn the tests in. After using the method I learned in the high-speed boot camp I took the CRR in May 2008 and actually turned the test in. I didn't pass, but I only missed it by 10 errors. I took the CRR again in May of 2009 and I passed!!

This practice method absolutely, positively works. I am going to take the RMR this fall and I already know I will pass it!! I can't believe the HUGE difference in my writing in just four weeks.

Yaaay Magnum Steno Club and THANKS, MARK!! -- Rebecca Callow

Mark,

I was unprepared for the Nevada exam that I had to take. I hadn't taken an exam in 20 years. And of those 20 years, I took 12 of them off to raise kids. Ever since I came back to reporting a year ago, I relied a lot on audiosync. (Bad, I know, but this girl had to work) Well, you can't use audiosync on an exam. I only had one week before the exam. Someone suggested Magnum Steno, and I had nothing to lose. Wow, was I glad I joined. I listened to Mark's instructional videos, and I took notes. Practiced his crazy, high-speed dictation, always with the "how to practice" instructions in mind. What a difference it made! The test was to be no slower than 200 and not more than 225. When they started talking, I couldn't believe it. I certainly had the speed. And Mark's words, "Get a stroke for everything" ran through my mind continuously for ten minutes while I got a stroke for everything! I passed with only 8 errors. Magnum Steno is the way to become an excellent court reporter. - "K."

Dear Mark,

I cannot thank you enough for putting together this website. I have been a member for less than a month, but I feel like I have learned so much, and I truly feel my skills growing every day! I recently graduated school and was having a tough time transitioning from being a student reporter to a working reporter. I can't express how much all your invaluable advice, positive reinforcement, brief practice, and dictation has helped me. I started practicing to your plethora of dictation material before my jobs. Your superfast, challenging dictation gave me the confidence to finally begin working, and for that I am forever grateful.

Sincerely,

Nancy

Mark,

May 2005 I sat for the RMR and passed the WKT.

May 2007 I sat for the RMR and passed the Lit and JC.

One or two more times I sat for the RMR testimony, but wasn't really close. Five minutes seemed so long.

April 13, 2009, I signed up for the Magnum Steno Club. The first time I gave up after only a few minutes. I was so frustrated. Then I listened to the instructional videos and focused on getting something for each word, instead of perfect, perfect, perfect, DROP, DROP, DROP. I practiced just about every day, if not every day, trying to practice 10 to 15 minutes at various times throughout the day, as you advise. It felt great to know that a little practice more often could be even more beneficial than marathon practice sessions.

May 1, 2009, I set my laptop up on my nightstand and listened to the test week instructional videos that I had missed, as well as some other instructional videos, before going to sleep. All that week I did the visualization of writing the test, writing through the hard parts, focusing, not caring how far into it we were because I was getting it, knowing I could write anything they threw at me, and how amazing I would feel when the test was over and I knew I had passed.

May 2, 2009, I took the RMR testimony exam, and when the last words were spoken, I could only smile.

June 8, 2009, it was confirmed: (full name), RMR

I really feel like Magnum Steno Club helped me get there! THANK YOU! You may not remember, but your advice at the Iowa Court Reporters Association in January 2002 is what helped me get out of Speed 175, which I had been languishing in for three months, and go on to pass the RPR 21 months after starting at AIB.

You rock! Thank you!

E.H., RMR :-)

Mark, Thanks for the fast dictation !! I have been dreaming of having this kind of service for a long time. I appreciate it very much. I am able to more fully and completely relate with this Chariots of Fire movie quote: "When I run I feel His pleasure." The runner's "high," the exhilaration and ecstasy !! Thanks for the opportunity to feel these same emotions as a shorthand writer. When I write fast (and especially clean) I feel His pleasure!! Thank you for the opportunity to take the skill God has given me and perfect and strengthen it to such a high degree. Your life and work is a blessing to me beyond description. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you for your passion and love of excellent shorthand writing and speed building. Thank you for the great innovations you have given us all and for the opportunity to have less fatigue as writers, cleaner transcripts, more time and money for our families and out-of-this-world fantasmagoric job satisfaction!! Thank you for being the pioneer you truly are, for following your heart, mind and spirit by giving us and the world a higher standard to reach for, a more excellent way !! Thank you for the new life blood you have infused into this demanding work. It's obviously becoming easier and easier the more I incorporate your incredible briefs and phrases !! Bless you and your wonderful family." Sincerely, Clark Edwards

Mark, I have been practicing ALMOST every single day. I do weekends too. This club of yours is the best thing that has happened to me careerwise yet! I love it... My morning Magnum Steno practice tends to be 3-5 mins of brief review, running through your daily dictation twice, which takes me about 20 minutes. That's about all I have time for consistently on a daily basis.

Thanks for all you do! ...Kate B.

"Dear Mark, I still can't fathom that most reporters don't practice (and that I didn't!) You definitely came up with the perfect answer for working reporters, both time and cost factors considered. It definitely makes the day go better. Yes, I have noticed the increase in speed, and I WILL get the next RPR!! That's what made my mind up--the test should have gone better and it didn't. I will not be thwarted, especially since I now have your secret weapons--briefs--at my fingertips. In addition to all that, the speed has increased as well as the tran rate which, of course, means less editing time, etc." Anonymous

"Yes! I've joined the Magnum Steno Club and I'm just getting started on the videos. I absolutely love every one I've gone through so far. You're so helpful with tips of learning briefs and psychological war was so true too. One tip that sticks in my mind is practicing a bit in the morning and then some in the afternoon, like learning a language, the more you use it, the better it sticks. Thank you so much, Mark, for taking the time to put this steno club together for your fellow reporters! I can really see how this is going to benefit me and my writing skills." D.G.

"Mark, still going strong. This is already working. In court yesterday, my brain was much clearer and the work was easier. The first time I practiced today it was so much easier for me. I think I'm really, at times, getting something for every word. I try to all the time, but it doesn't always work, but I'm starting to hear these ridiculous speeds. Thank you." Tracy

"Hi Mark! Just a note to let you know that I really enjoy the Magnum Steno Club. I get online as often as I can between work schedules. While it is fast, it doesn't seem unobtainable to me. I really enjoy the speed! I take this as a real positive sign in my progress. I just wanted to touch base, and let you know of my happiness with your program. I feel it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Thank you so much!" A. H.

"Just wanted to thank you for your club, and to thank you for helping me with my writing a speedy drug task force witness that I have to report at least once every couple of weeks. Before Magnum Steno, I thought he was simply unwritable for me. And when I'd see him coming, I wanted to duck and hide or claim "broken fingers" or something silly like that. Last week he testified, and it didn't really dawn on me until about halfway through his testimony that I was keeping up with him (you know, "keep up with the speaker") like you'd taught me to do. It really wasn't much different than any other witness in the hearing! I knew immediately it was because of your help. So thank you for making this guy writable for me!! Thank! Thank you! Thank you!" T.L.R.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! I do notice improvement in my work and in my practicing. My daily writing is incredible. It's clean. It's all there, and I find that I have lots of time to think about writing short. I am reviewing briefs each each and every day before I start my speed practice and just keep adding to my list. This whole Magnum Steno Club idea was BRILLIANT! I have always been a reporter striving to get better, and this technique of yours gives me such results! I am thrilled!!" Kate B.

"Hola Mark-- Yay! I got to PRA with the Club again yesterday. Thx for the P A FR D of the week from the Windy City, Chicago. Your April fool's selection was very fun. Can't wait to HEAR and WRITE DOWN AT VERY, VERY HIGH SPEED what you come up with next. Guess what? I am editing a job taken March 25 (after the March21 seminar and four days of diligent digit Steno Club speed building) and I can notice a huge IMPROVEMENT in the notes. Fingers are much more SURE of themselves and are hitting something for EVERYTHING very, very, very ACCURATELY. While editing the job later, it's entertaining and educational to look over at the steno notes-- just like you do on your highly-acclaimed 11 yr old notes series-- and say to myself "WHY ARE YOU WRITING THAT IN SO MANY STROKES, knucklehead??? SSC (reporting since 1983...Old dog rejuvenated by learning new Steno Trix!)

"Mark, I just wanted to tell you that I have been writing everyday since I signed up, which I think was about December. I don't miss a day. Well, except the day that Paul proposed to me (I said yes), but I felt so guilty that I didn't practice. I take my machine on vacation with me. I'm driving everybody nuts with the extra carry-on, but I don't care. When my friends/colleagues call me and complain that they might lose thier jobs, there's not enough work, you know, worrying about something that hasn't happened yet, I always ask them one thing, ARE YOU PRACTICING? And then I refer them to you. I have yet to see them sign up. Ugh. Frustrating. I have noticed my fingers are faster and closer to the keyboard and I am writing way more words in a half hour newscast. I was stuck around 2,900 for a while and now I am up into 3,200 at 99%. Thank you for this fitness club. It's the one thing that keeps me sane and writing like a champ. I laughed the day you told us that we were turning into champion reporters, now start acting like one! I really appreciate the words of encouragement! Fantastic site, Mark! Thank you for thinking of it. And don't ever go away. I'll keep working on my friends.:) I'll break them soon." Donna

"Mark, I am a want-to-be court reporter in Arizona. I took your seminar in Phoenix on Feb, 7th and the whole day I kept hearing bells dinging in my head and seeing light bulbs flashing. I've been struggling for years to pass the RPR (it is required in my state to work). So many things you were saying were thoughts that I had, but didn't know how to act on them. Your practice method is working for me!!! What a relief it is for me...you have no idea. For two years alone I have been striving to pass the QA portion of the RPR-that's the only leg I need!! For two years!! I started court reporting school (at Gateway) in the fall of 2001. I found the hardest part of school was the very end. And you taught me why! There is no speed building at 280 or higher!! The students complained too much when it gets to 240 and the teachers were influenced by that. I am now practicing every day to Magnum Steno and Speeding my own material up to 280. Today I committed a sin and left the take at 225 for the whole thing (I'll repent later.) I just had to see how it was going. It was a cake walk!!!!! I feel liberated and victorious! This RPR is not going to defeat me! Bring it on NCRA! BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!!!" NIKI

"Hi Mark, We met in Philadelphia at your December seminar. I had just joined the Magnum Steno Club. I am a captioner and I have to tell you, I'm about 90 percent verbatim captioning. I prided myself on the verbatim skills I had as a reporter. However, when I transitioned into captioning, I lost that skill. And now after three months of diligent practice with Magnum Steno Club, I have gotten my skill back and it feels great! I thought you'd like to know of my success! Thanks." Margaret (Peggy) Goodman

"I'm loving the Steno Club-- ALWAYS AWAYS ALWAYS!!!!!!!! NEVER STOP!!!!! I'm going to NAIL my RMR Q&A May 2nd without a doubt. Thank you millions and millions!!" Clark

MAGNUM STENO BOOK:

[Folks, this book is selling like hotcakes - we're approaching a thousand sales in its first year - I just didn't think until recently to start collecting testimonials for it. The last one is from one of the legends in court reporting, Santo J. Aurelio, who inspired the NCRA's Santo J. Aurelio Award for Altruism - Mark K.]

Hi, Mark :).

I received your Theory book and the Magnum Steno book in the mail yesterday, and all I can say is OMG. I can't believe all the great info in these! Honestly, I think you're a little bit crazy....and I mean that in the most heartfelt way :). If it can be tucked.....you tucked it. If it can be flipped.....you'll flip it. And if it can be tweaked in any way, shape or form.....you will tweak away. I love it! I've managed to incorporate a few things today, so I am happily writing a bit shorter than I was yesterday. Much thanks! - Laurie B. :)

I have to tell you, I attended your seminar in February in Atlanta and it has *literally* changed my life. Not only do I clock a lot of time with your book, but I also ordered a LightSpeed a couple weeks after your seminar. UNbelievable. (I can't believe I was, for example, writing "administratively" with FOUR STROKES for 25 years!! Anthony Lorenz, CRR-RDR

Mark, Thank you very much for sending me a copy of your hot-off-the-press magnum opus, "Magnum Steno: Write Short - Write Fast!" To coin a new word, it is ultrasuperlative. It's the last word in a book to help neophytes gain speed and for even veteran reporters to gain much-needed speed. Sure, many good reporters write many words out, but they have to work quite hard to do so. As you said and wrote, if reporters write quickly (i.e., have fast fingers) and employ a mountain of briefs (i.e., one-stroke multisyllabic words), they will very significantly increase their speed. And that's a truism! I read every single word of the first 20 pages, and I was impressed especially with the figures that comprised your Top Speeds Table. You make a grand case for "short" writing and fast finger speed. Even though I ain't (oops) haven't reported for some 18 years, I truly agree that this duo ("short" writing and finger speed) is unbeatable and can greatly help reporters to work very difficult cases for long periods of time with less than the "average" pain and tiredness. By the way, I like the way you handle "has been" on Page 325 (Scoot down right middle finger after -FPLTD is depressed.) Also, how in heaven's name did you think up single strokes for over 31,000 words and phrases? What a stupendous undertaking. And your proofing must have taken forever. As an author of two books, I KNOW how easy it is for gremlins to enter our wonderful words and subvert them. Your book contains 528 pages, plus another 20 pages -- all with unbeatable info. To my way of thinking, that makes it the ne plus ultra of court-reporting books. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished in the past and right now with this book. I know that I am very proud of you and very happy that you are helping other reporters. You are a distinct credit to the court-reporting profession. Thanks again for sending me your book. Cordially, Santo J. Aurelio

MAGNUM STENO SEMINARS:

"One of the most informative seminars I've attented. Lots of pertinent/usable new information."

"Mr Kislingbury is a genius in his field. He is a phenomenal speaker, very knowledgable, informative, and thorough. He is also a great speaker with a good sense of humor and kept me interested throughout the whole seminar. The seminar was worth the money I spent." P.Y.

"It is hard work, but I came back to be tortured for the second time. I have been a court reporter since 1976...everything written out. Your seminar changed my writing. I will "never" be you but you are truly inspiring. It was excellent." Cheri Violette

"I was hesitant to branch out and learn new briefs and phrases before coming here. This seminar has made me change my mind and I can't wait to get started writing shorter. Thanks a million!" C.C.

"Excellent seminar, very inspiring and gave me a lot of ideas to work on." B.S.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar. Mark is a great presenter and makes it easily understood." Paula

"Mark, you are the best instructor I've ever had in any court reporting seminar, and I truly mean that. You are an extremely patient and genuine individual. The fact that you really want to help us to be better reporters and you're not doing seminars just to make a buck really shines through!!! I appreciate the respect you have for each of us as individuals and the various software programs we use." Debbie Harnen

"I got so much from this day of new ideas and techniques. I know they will help me so much in future writing. What fun it is to find new shortcuts. The speed building ideas were also excellent. Implementing them will make us all extremely proficient writers! Thank you so much!" Lou Ann Parker

"I feel confident learning from someone who radiates such success! Indisputably, something is "right" with Mark Kislingbury's method, as is attested by his world record. Even using Phoenix Theory, there are still many "tricks" that I plan on incorporating into my daily practice." Laura B. Parker

"I love briefs, so this seminar was heaven for me. Thanks for all your advice. You're awesome!" T.A.J.

"Great motivation for a long-time reporter. Thank you so much, Mark! You are so kind. I got some great things to incorporate." J.W.

"First I want to thank you for the excellent seminar you presented in San Diego a few weeks ago. When I first decided to attend, it was because I needed points, and, what the heck, I might pick up a good idea here and there. I really thought I knew pretty much all there was to know about realtime reporting, and didn't think there was anyone better than I was at it. Well, as life always does when one's head gets too big, you really pushed me off of my self-constructed pedestal. So much so, that I have decided to pursue your theory." M.V.

"I've been a big fan ever since I first heard about your theory when you came to Edmonton, Alberta Canada. I know you won't remember me, or at least I wouldn't expect you to, but you signed my book with the quote "You can do it." I find myself continuously looking back at quote from Sept 18th, 2005, and remembering how I felt this book would change my fortunes. At that time I was on my 160s. I was doing well, but I knew that I needed something to change. A lot of time has passed since then, but I did finish my 225s in early February of 2006 largely due to your theory and went on to write in Sierra Leone. I'm now doing my dream job and living in Europe, which was one of my biggest goals that I had set out to achieve for myself. I wanted to thank you for helping me achieve my goals and being so open about your theory and sharing it with everybody. Your theory book - although I didn't incorporate everything - has made a huge impact on me and how I write. I just wanted to thank you. I'm sorry for taking so long to do so. I just have been caught up in other things :) Thank you for your time. And your "You can do it," signing actually did mean a lot to me." S.M.

"I was at your seminar in Houston this weekend and thought this would be a great way to try to implement your short writing style. (On the article you gave us to count our strokes, my total was 170!) I've been a reporter 17 years and learned Sten-Ed theory. I've done your brief and speed videos for two days and I'm loving it. I had a depo today with a fast talker and I could tell the difference in speed (my hands were warmed up already) and I started using some of the briefs, mainly adding in the endings to the word, for now. Thanks for providing this tool. It's something I'll definitely use, as it just takes up a small amount of time daily. Have a great day!" A.M.

"Who hasn't watched super-human Mark K. as he aced a speed contest or broke a world record? In his seminars, Mark humbles himself and shows us that he makes mistakes just like the rest of us. To that I can relate!" Karen Teig

"The seminar was very informative and enlightening. After learning a lot of the briefs and methods, it was like a light bulb going off in my head! I would definitely recommend it to anyone at any level of experience." Karrie Truitt

"Extremely informative. Well worth the money." Edie Daniels

"Wonderful! I really enjoyed it. Thanks for coming to Des Moines!!" Anonymous

"I enjoyed the four-day seminar. It was well worth the money. I would do it again and will." S.B.

"I liked the phrasing, dictation live. Great technology tools for us to see. Life stories were great to hear." Sheryl Stawski

"Exceptional! Inspiring! Rewarding! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Kim Folds

"Thank you so-o-o much you've really are a good teacher. I am now excited about the fact that I can do it. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING. I cannot tell you how much of a huge honor it was to meet you!!" Anonymously

"I have absolutely no criticisms of this seminar whatsoever. Nothing but PRAISE. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment to our field and your contagious enthusiasm to encourage us to become more proficient and then, ultimately, HAPPIER court reporters. This was worth EVERY PENNY. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! God bless you richly." Dina Villis

"Great, Excellent, Bravo! Totally worth it! You + Samuel were great and very personal all through out every step of registration! Thank you, thank you, and thank you!" Pauline Garry

"The Seminar was a turnaround in my approach to writing. After the first weekend, I feel like a new reporter! I'm excited about my job and now this will make my job easier. Very clear in its presentation, the room was cozy enough that you could hear other's questions. I give this seminar A+ Change is fun!!!" Anonymously

"Mark, your enthusiasm and passion for writing short and writing fast is inspirational, grounded in humility and generosity. Your willingness to share "your secrets" has made this the best seminar of my professional career while reinforcing our duty to strive for excellence! You have really made it fun! Thank you so much." Sherrie L. Segall

"Thank you so much for everything. You've given me hope to become a great reporter instead of a good reporter. You made learning fun and human and really listened to our needs and helped us find a better way to do things. It has been a pleasure to meet you!" Laura Quinette

"Great-Fantastic-Learning how to speed build your way is great. CRR, watch out!" Anonymously

"Very exciting, quick results. Thank you for sharing." Jennifer Campbell

"I feel these two days already made my career easier. Mark is an inspiration." S.B.

"The Seminar definitely gave me some new methods to go back to use in improving my writing." L.P.

"You rock!!" J.E.

"Good location. Nice size group. I like that you are very motivational and not negative." Gay Dall

"Dear Mark: As I wrote a very challenging 200 pages today with 2, if not 3, people talking most of the time all day long, I kept thanking myself for taking your boot camp which just ended last week. I can NOT tell you THANKS enough for all the help you gave me in improving my writing style, learning to concentrate much better than I had been in the past, and staying right on top of the speakers today. Thanks for so many new briefs I learned that kept me "in the game" today!!! :) I've been reporting since 1969 -- AIB (Iowa) grad of Feb. 1969!!!! :) : ) == learned Berry Horne theory; first class at AIB to learn long vowels!!! (Began attending AIB fall of '67; my certificate is dated Feb. 28, 1969). So it IS possible for us "older, experienced" reporters to learn new things -- and apply them immediately!! :) : ) the only way I passed the CRR in 2003 (Reno) was with your guidance. Think how much better I'd be if only I had time for practice!! I WILL put some lists of briefs on my mirror to keep learning. :) :) : ) THANKS again!" Bev Herring-Black

"I appreciate very much the training, the knowledge and the personal care you seemed to have for each one of us in the boot camp experience that ended Thursday. Frankly, I do not think any teacher/instructor has heretofore given me that sense of his/her having a personal commitment and investment in student success. It makes a decided difference in the student's own approach to the endeavor. When you closed with the suggestion that we pray for one another's success (and I did), that was the icing on the cake. Your teaching ability is equal to your writing ability. I am very glad that I enrolled in your boot camp experience! I have learned a new approach, and I am eager to make it mine." Joan

"Hi Mark,! Here's the news! If you recall, I am working on getting my last leg of the RPR with the lit. I was just waiting for that fourth minute to hit me. You know the part I am talking about, right? Guess what happened! The test ended!!!!! I never felt it. Bottom line, this is the closest I have ever come to passing this test. I know I have several bloopers throughout the test, but I really do not feel they add up to 45 errors. I think I actually passed. Thanks again for everything! You are truly a Godsend!" Debby

"Mark, just a note to say I loved your boot camp. I have been really struggling with my writing for a few years, because I didn't have your teaching tools. Thought it was because of my age, but it was really practicing slow instead of fast and trying to be too perfect. Your great coaching and positive attitude were just the tonic I needed! Will probably take the next one, too. Many thanks." Dennis

"I just got home, but I didn't want to go to bed without telling you how much I enjoyed the teleconference tonight. I thought it was very, very helpful in pointing out your favorite briefs and those that you felt were the most frequently used. I marked those that you felt were really important, and I plan to focus on them with the new theory class. Sorry we had to go, but at around 11:00 the security starts coming around to see why we haven't left. There was one student who had a question, but she said she would email you with it. I heard another student say that this was the best conference of them all -- she felt like she got a lot out of it. I feel the same way. Just thought I'd let you know. Great job!" Dolores

"Mark, Wow! First off, I was sad to end our 10 sessions. Next, thank you so much for all of your help! I am confident that I passed my literary RPR leg FINALLY!! I had been missing the main key all along: SHORTEN MY WRITING. I followed your advice all the way, and cannot tell you how easy and how much in control I was. You are a Godsend, Mark, and I just want you to know that I owe my success this past weekend to you and your encouragement. I hope to meet you in person one day, and I plan on taking your classes again. I purchased your theory book and am anxious to start at Chapter 1 and go forward learning more and more about your theory. Again, much thanks and YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES." Kate B.

Dear Mark,

I had a revelation last night to why I wasn't progressing in my steno speed.

You remember, as I previously mentioned. that I've been at 140wpm for almost the last year. I really never believed in myself, that I could accomplish anything worthwhile...

Well, here's what I figured out. I was attending a behavior seminar for my son last night, focusing specifically on "Self-Esteem Issues." Little was I to realize that the seminar was more geared toward me than my son.

The speaker's name was Richard Lavoie, and the title was "When the Poker Chips Are Down." It is available on PBS and is priceless, as far as I am concerned, on how to build self-esteem in children.

He explained why so many children go through life without enough "Poker Chips (i.e. Self-Esteem)." At the moment he touched on a certain self-esteem characteristic, I broke out hysterically into tears and the whole seminar looked at me. I realized that the reason I was not progressing in life was because of the old "tapes" my father used to play to me (I.E. "You"ll never accomplish anything," "I'm so disappointed in you," or "Can't you do anything right?").

He taught, in the video, how to give positive feedback, and, amazingly, how to discipline, starting on a positive note, touching lightly on the negative, and ending on a positive note. It was truly amazing, and now I am surrounding myself with only positive people and truly now believe that I am a worthwhile person and I do DESERVE to be successful and to now positively, not negatively, engage in ALL areas of my life.

I thank you, Mark, for being an inspiration to us all, giving us just a taste of what's possible in life.

Today I start my studying again, and I am confident that I can now overcome any obstacle.

Thank you again, Mark, for your insight, wisdom, skill, and patience.

Best Again,

"G."

"Sunday night I got a call to take a job on Monday. The job lasted from nine to six in the evening. I wrote 433 pages! The whole time I was thanking the Lord and Mark for the speed building we did over the weekend. I made up many briefs during the day after learning the Mark Kislingbury mindset of SHORT STROKES! Ditto for Day Two, 425 pages, long day. 850 pages in two days and without the many wonderful ideas I learned this past weekend, I think, even after 28 years of reporting, I would have had two horrible days instead of just two hard days, which in court reporter speak is a good thing. So thank you, Mark, for a wonderful seminar. I got much more out of it than expected and used it much more and much sooner than I ever would have expected. Keep spreading the good word!" Marie McCracken

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