Shorthand is a quick writing method that involves replacing certain sounds or letters with a line or symbol, almost like hieroglyphs.
Although its practical benefits are disappearing thanks to modern technology, the ability to shorthand has a whole host of benefits. You will have a unique skill, which only a few others have and which can save you time taking notes by hand. And since it's such a rare skill, you can even use it as a secret code if you want to make your notes private.
The following steps will help you master this endangered art.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Decide which shorthand system to learn
Step 1. Study the various types of shorthand and consider the following factors:
level of difficulty, relevant characteristics and aesthetics. These aspects will help you decide which system will be the most useful for your needs. Here are the most popular forms of shorthand nowadays:
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Pitman.
First presented in 1837 by Sir Isaac Pitman. Relevant features: phonetics (records the sound of a letter or word rather than its spelling); uses the thickness and length of the stroke; symbols are made up of dots, lines and dashes; the abbreviation system is typical of Pitman's shorthand. Difficulty level: hard.
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Gregg.
Introduced in 1888 by John Robert Gregg. Relevant features: phonetics (records the sound of a letter or word rather than its spelling); vowels are written in the form of hooks and circles on the consonants. Difficulty level: medium-difficult.
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Teeline.
Developed in 1968 by James Hill as a simpler alternative to traditional shorthand. Relevant features: it is based on letters rather than sounds; the symbol system closely resembles the English alphabet. Difficulty level: easy.
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Keyscript Shorthand.
Invented in 1996 by Janet Cheeseman, this form of shorthand is based on the Pitman model, but is completely alphabetical: it does not use any Pitman symbols, but only the normal lowercase letters of the alphabet. It's phonetic. Difficulty level: medium / easy.
Step 2. Determine what your preferred shorthand method is
If you feel you learn it best in a structured study setting, consider taking a more canonical shorthand course. If, on the other hand, you learn fast and prefer to study alone, you could learn it on your own.
Step 3. Also consider inventing your own shorthand method
If learning a traditional shorthand method seems too daunting, or if you're feeling particularly creative, consider creating your own shorthand writing method.
Method 2 of 4: Sign up for a course
Step 1. See if your college or university offers shorthand courses
The lessons will help you learn shorthand in a structured context, and you will meet other students with whom to practice and test your knowledge.
Step 2. Find a tutor
If you prefer a one-to-one course, a private teacher is the ideal option. While it can be expensive, working with a tutor is one of the fastest ways to learn a skill, as it will give you instant feedback on any mistakes.
Step 3. Consider taking an online course
There are many shorthand courses available online, some of which are even free. Many of them include an interactive part with practice tests, chat rooms and multimedia study rooms that will make your learning experience easier. Search the Internet for a reputable website that meets your needs.
Step 4. Make a schedule that doesn't overload your memory
This is a crucial step as shorthand is almost totally dependent on the memorization process. If you have decided to take an online course or hire a private teacher, be sure to practice several times a week. If classes are held only once a week, set aside some shorthand time outside of class to practice and study.
Method 3 of 4: Learn on your own
Step 1. Find a manual, dictionary and / or book to learn the shorthand system of your choice
There are many books that tell you how to learn shorthand on your own. You can find them in bookstores or online.
Step 2. Memorize the symbols
Study the entire alphabet and learn the symbol that identifies each letter or sound, depending on the shorthand pattern you are studying.
Step 3. Use stickers to enhance learning and test your memory
Since shorthand requires a lot of memorization, the figurines will be a huge tool to help you remember which symbol represents which letter, word or sound.
Step 4. Do the practice exercises in your book, if any
They are created by professionals and will help you learn faster and more systematically.
Step 5. Practice writing shorthand using the book as a guide
Until you have fully memorized the alphabet, practice writing and this will help you create an intuitive bond and broaden your understanding much more than simple stickers can.
Step 6. Read shorthand texts
As with any other language, reading and understanding shorthand will improve your writing skills.
Step 7. Test yourself
Using the stickers you created, ask a friend to test your knowledge.
Method 4 of 4: Invent your own Shorthand Method
Step 1. Shorten words, especially long ones
Make sure, though, that you can reread and understand the word you intended to write with that abbreviation.
Step 2. Eliminate pronouns
In annotation, pronouns are often superfluous if the subject is known. For example, "She loves cooking" becomes "She loves cooking".
Step 3. Replace words with numbers
It is an easy way to save time. For example, the number 2 can be used instead of "two" and "both" (in English, however, the number 2 can be used instead of "to", preposition of motion, "too", which means "also ", and" two ", the number two in letters, precisely.)
Step 4. Use initials instead of writing a person's full name
Step 5. Use your imagination
If you want your method to be difficult to decode, you will need to be very creative. Choose substitutions that don't make direct sense, or aren't already in common use. Consider symbols for writing your own alphabet, then memorize it and keep a copy.
Advice
- Since the usefulness of shorthand lies in speed, be sure not to tread too heavily with the pen: your hand would risk fatigue very quickly and this would slow down your writing.
- If you use shorthand in class or in a courtroom, write a legend in the left margin of the page for quick and direct reference.
- If you forget a word until you write a dictation, keep writing and leave a space or mark where the missing word will go. When you have finished the sentence, go back and complete with the missing word. This will help you maintain a certain speed.
- Make sure you are using the appropriate pen and paper for the type of shorthand you are learning. Most shorthand teachers recommend using a fountain pen.
