A stenotype machine is a specialized keyboard used primarily by court reporters and transcriptionists to capture spoken words quickly. Unlike a standard keyboard, it has fewer keys and allows users to press multiple keys simultaneously, creating whole words or phrases in a single stroke. This enables fast and efficient transcription of speech, making it ideal for legal and broadcast settings. The machine works by using a system of phonetic shorthand, where each key corresponds to specific sounds or syllables. The output is then translated into readable text using software, allowing for accurate and real-time documentation of conversations and proceedings.