How To Write

Shorthand
Step 1: Choose A System
Firstly, you need to choose which system you want to learn. Consider how much time
you have to learn the system, as well as how fast you want to be able to write. Some
of the quicker systems of shorthand are newer versions of Pitman and Gregg
shorthand. Examples of these are Gregg Pre-Anniversary, Gregg Anniversary, and
New Era Pitman. If you have limited time, the quicker versions of shorthand to learn
are Gregg Diamond Jubilee and Pitman 2000.

Let’s take a look at the main shorthand systems that you can choose from:

 Pitman Shorthand
If you master this form of shorthand, you should be able to write 200 words per
minute. This system uses thick and thin strokes to represent different sounds, so you
will need a steel-tipped pen to write this type of shorthand. The system also uses a lot
of dots and dashes.

 Gregg Shorthand
This system indicates vowels with circles, and there is a heavy amount of symbols to
memorize. While it may take a long time to learn, this system will allow you to write
over 200 words per minute once you have mastered it.
 Teeline Shorthand
This is a form of shorthand that is based on the forms of the alphabet. It involves
writing smaller vowels and consonants and focusing on writing essential letters. This
form of shorthand is also often taught to journalists.

Step 2: Gather The Right

Learning Resources
Once you have chosen a system, you can start gathering resources to learn how to use
it. One of the best places to start would be the internet. Look for text and video
tutorials on how to use the system as well as practice examples. Some great YouTube
channels that provide tutorials on shorthand include Shorthandly and Teeline Online.

Other places you could look include local libraries, bookstores, and online bookstores.
Because many shorthand books may no longer be in print, many bookstores may not
supply them. In this case, it would be great to check out libraries as often libraries
keep older books as well as newer books.

It may also be a good idea to check out some old “text kits.” These kits often include
recordings of how to use shorthand as well as written notes. They may also include
tests so that you can check your progress.

Finally, you may want to look for a shorthand dictionary, which will show you exactly
how to write different words in shorthand.

Step 3: Practicing Shorthand

Before you start practising shorthand, it is important to note that it will probably take
a while before you get the hang of it. If ever you hear of claims that you can learn
shorthand in a few hours, you should not take them too seriously.
When you start practising, make sure that you take the time to master the shorthand
symbols before trying to build up your speed. Doing so will ensure that you do not
make too many mistakes from the beginning. It is also important to remember that
your speed will build up as you become more comfortable with the system.

Next, it will be important to make sure that you practice regularly. Do a few short
sessions each day and make sure to practice writing letters and words repeatedly. You
could also test yourself with dictation exercises. This means recording yourself and
writing down the words that you spoke using shorthand.

Alternative Learning
Methods
Photo by bruce mars from Pexels
To save time, you can learn an easier shorthand method. Consider learning speed
writing or stenoscript, which use the ordinary alphabet. You could also create your
own shorthand system. Below are some more examples of shorthand systems you
could learn.

1. Handywrite
This system is similar to Greggs in the way that it uses many of the same symbols for
consonants. It also uses similar strokes to Greggs, which are cursive and fast.

2. Bell’s Invisible Speech

This system was developed to record any human speech sound. This system reduces
all vocal sounds into a series of symbols.

3. Blissymbolics
This system uses descriptive pictures to symbolize concepts, rather than just words.
This system was created as a universal language that people who speak different
languages can use to communicate with each other.

Why is Learning
Shorthand Valuable?
Firstly, writing in shorthand is much quicker than standard writing. Standard
handwriting reaches speeds of 20 to 30 words per minute, which is too slow to record
someone speaking. The average shorthand speed of some people has been recorded at
over 200 words per minute. This makes shorthand better for taking notes. Because of
the difference in speed, shorthand is an important skill to learn to keep up with
lecturers when taking notes.

Shorthand has also proven to be useful in many lines of work. Personal assistants and
secretaries use for it for minute taking, while journalists use it when documenting a
news story. Court reporters use it when typing on a stenotype machine. Stenographers,
who transcribe letters and documents, are often employed in law offices.
Shorthand is helpful for taking down all important details when getting instructions
from your boss or conveying a phone message. Often, voice-recognition software
makes mistakes, especially if someone gets words mixed up or names wrong. A
person using shorthand can identify and rectify such mistakes.

Shorthand also provides personal benefits such as improving your listening,

summarizing, and memory skills. It is also good for your CV, as it shows you have
commitment to learning a new skill. Overall, shorthand reduces the time you spend on
writing, and the time that you save can be utilized for other tasks.

Now that you understand what shorthand is, how to learn it, and why it is a valuable
skill, you can try it for yourself!