Have you ever thought about how journalists and administrative assistants managed their tasks before the advent of recording devices? Or how court stenographers are able to type at lightning speed during legal proceedings? In many situations, they employ a method known as shorthand. The concept behind shorthand is straightforward: it utilizes a variety of abbreviations and symbols, referred to as “forms,” to substitute entire words and phrases. It’s a quick and dependable technique—provided you have the necessary skills. Like any language, mastering shorthand requires some study and practice. Even if you’re not naturally inclined towards language learning, delving into shorthand can be both enjoyable and enlightening.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at it, you’ll need to choose which style of shorthand you wish to learn as they are not all identical. Think of the different shorthand methods as dialects of a single language, similar to the variations of Spanish spoken in Mexico versus Spain. There are three primary styles of shorthand worth exploring.
Pitman Shorthand
Developed in 1837 by Sir Isaac Pitman, Pitman shorthand is tailored for the English language. Its symbols represent sounds rather than letters. For example, there’s likely a symbol for the hard “i” sound found in words like “light” or “hide.” Additionally, there are symbols for compound consonants such as “Fr” and “Ph.” While it might sound complicated, it’s essential to note that the thickness of a line or symbol can alter its sound. Over time, Pitman shorthand has evolved and streamlined, with the most recent version, Pitman 2000, featuring only 144 short forms—which stand for countless words.
Gregg Shorthand
Just fifty years after Pitman, Gregg shorthand emerged and has since become more popular. Many liken it to cursive writing in long-form; it relies less on lines and dashes and more on fluid elliptical shapes. One significant distinction is that Gregg eliminated the use of thick and thin strokes, simplifying its application. Its smooth design allows for writing in either direction, making it particularly convenient for left-handed users who can write right to left without smudging. The latest version of Gregg shorthand, published in 1988, consists of a mere 132 forms.
Teeline Shorthand
The most recent and widely used shorthand is Teeline, created by James Hill in 1968. Unlike its predecessors, Teeline is based on the alphabet itself rather than phonetics. It often omits vowels, disregards silent letters, and combines letters into single symbols. Many consider Teeline to be the simplest shorthand to master, which is likely why it’s included in the UK’s curriculum for training and certifying journalists.
Speed Writing
It’s important to clarify that speed writing differs from shorthand, although a form of shorthand is indeed called speed writing. Both techniques aim to enhance writing speed, but shorthand employs a distinct language filled with symbols. Speed writing, in contrast, is a skill that can be cultivated with practice. It’s akin to training for a race—improving your writing speed requires dedicated effort. The average person writes at a speed of 25 to 45 words per minute, while trained speed writers can achieve 60 to 70 words per minute.
Tips for Speed Writing
To boost your speed, consistency and discipline are essential. Treat speed writing like a sport; the only way to enhance your skills is through practice. Here are some tips to help you write faster:
- Write daily to strengthen the connection between your thoughts and your hand. Aim for daily journaling or writing a page.
- Maintain good posture; slouching can slow you down. Proper form is crucial for optimal writing speed.
- Hold your pen or pencil comfortably; everyone has different preferences for grip. Experiment to find what feels best for you.
- Avoid gripping your writing utensil too tightly. Excessive pressure can lead to hand fatigue.
Stenography
If shorthand piques your interest, you may also want to consider stenography. Stenographers are trained to write using shorthand techniques, allowing them to transcribe spoken language nearly as fast as it’s spoken. This skill is invaluable in settings like courts, medical environments, and real-time captioning for television. Historically, stenographers would write everything by hand, but now they utilize specialized machines that enable them to type over 300 words per minute, significantly surpassing the average speaking rate.
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In summary, shorthand writing offers a fascinating way to enhance your note-taking skills and speed. With different methods like Pitman, Gregg, and Teeline available, you can choose one that resonates with you. Whether for personal efficiency or professional purposes like journalism or legal transcription, learning shorthand can be a valuable tool in your communication arsenal.