You stayed up late the night before and practiced until the Late Show With David Letterman . That scenario happens in speedbuilding classes every day. As a court reporting student myself once upon a time, I lived through many experiences just like that. As an instructor, I witness this much too frequently. What often is the culprit in this situation is the practice session itself.
Many students sit down at their machine, turn on the taped material and write away.
A student may listen repeatedly to a speed tape. I can't get that guy's name. I think I'll try something else. That kind of practice experience is inadequate for effective speedbuilding. Anyone can sit down at a steno machine and bang on the keys.