Secretary Takes Dictation

Produced by Coronet in 1947, "The Secretary Takes Dictation" dramatically shows how an experienced secretary operates versus a new hire. The badly-acted film shows the interactions between boss Mr. Williams and his two office girls, Jean and Marge. Jean, a blonde secretary, is a highly competent and organized secretary, while Marge, a brunette stenographer, is still learning the ropes. The script highlights the importance of preparation, organization, and attention to detail in a professional environment. (Note: A stenographer is a professional who uses shorthand or a stenotype machine to transcribe spoken words into written text.) 00:00: Main titles. 0:39: Mr. Williams places an order and is assured of delivery within a week. The conversation ends with mutual appreciation. 1:13: Two office workers, Jean and Marge, discuss their experiences with dictation. Marge is new and nervous, while Jean is more experienced and offers reassurance. 2:16: Mr. Williams reflects on his two employees, Jean and Marge. He describes Marge's inexperience and the challenges she faces, such as being unprepared for dictation. She can't even find her notebook and has to sharpen her pencil. 3:00: Marge struggles with basic tasks like finding her notebook and sharpening pencils, causing delays. 4:00: Mr. Williams contrasts Marge's inexperience with Jean's efficiency. Jean is always prepared, with her tools and typewriter ready and her workspace organized. 5:16: Jean's meticulous preparation and organization are highlighted as she takes her shorthand notes. She uses various notations and tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency in her work. 6:10: Jean handles different types of dictation, including letters, telegrams, and memorandums, with precision. 7:00: Jean's ability to manage interruptions and maintain accuracy is emphasized. She checks her notes and punctuation during breaks. 8:22: Jean's attention to detail, such as marking inserts and correcting errors, ensures the quality of her work. 9:16: The film concludes with Mr. Williams praising Jean's skills and reliability, while acknowledging that Marge has much to learn to reach Jean's level.