The term "shorthand" indicates any writing system that involves a rapid movement of the hand and is particularly useful for transcribing dialogues. The concept of speeding up writing has been around for as long as writing itself has existed; even the ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China had simplified standard writing with faster alternatives. Nowadays, shorthand remains an invaluable skill for anyone working in journalism, business and administration. Learning an efficient form of quick writing takes time and practice, but it's possible!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Shorthand Method
Step 1. Consider the fundamentals before choosing a method
There are several shorthand methods that differ from each other. You need to keep a few things in mind before choosing the one that's right for you:
- How long does it take to learn the method?
- How long do you expect to be able to put the method into practice?
- Is there a standard shorthand system for your profession?
Step 2. The purpose of shorthand at commercial or speaking speed (therefore with a number of words per minute between a minimum of 90 and a maximum of 180 and more) is to filter between the speed of spoken language (which on average ranges from 120 to 160 words per minute) to the typed one (which instead is of modest speed, often less than 20-30 words per minute, ie 200 strokes per minute)
Shorthand relies on the association between certain sounds and graphic signs. There are different shorthand methods all over the world, particular and specifically designed for certain phonetic sounds that are different based on the language. In the Anglo-Saxon language, for example, there are different methods than the Italian language, or the German one. In the USA, in fact, the Gregg or Pitman methods are mainly used, while in Italy the Meschini, the Gabelsberger-Noe, the Cima and the Stenital Mosciaro are more common.
- The Gabelsberger-Noe method was adapted to the Italian language by prof. Carlo Enrico Noe (hence the name that designates it). Its fundamental principles are the graphic, phonetic and linguistic-etymological one. In the GN system there is no concern for the alphabetic indication: the symbolisms and omissions almost totally absorb the theory of vocalization.
- The Meschini method bases its ability to reach maximum speeds on the professional abbreviation. It is mainly based on the truncation of words based on where the tonic accent falls, and on the position of the symbols with respect to the baseline.
Step 3. The Cima method has very simple basic rules
It bases its speed mainly on the use of the so-called "endings"; any shorthand grammar of this system is supported by specific exercises to acquire dynamism and automation in the writing of the ending signs.
Step 4. The Stenital Mosciaro method also has a very simple basic theory
The abbreviation is based on perfect knowledge of the Italian language, so the user who wants to try their hand at using this shorthand system to gain speed must know a priori how to shorten sentences in Italian, while maintaining clarity of understanding; this method also requires a lot of training to write the signs perfectly, otherwise, due to the speed, similar signs could often be deformed, making them difficult to interpret.
Step 5. Use an alphabetical system if you want to find a quick and easy learning process
Unlike methods that use symbols, where lines, curves and circles represent sounds, alphabetic systems are based on the alphabet. This makes them easier to learn, even if you won't be able to achieve the same speed. However, already being able to reach 120 words per minute would be an excellent achievement.
Search the internet or inquire at local schools for alphabetic systems
Step 6. Choose the Teeline method if you are a journalist
It is a hybrid system largely based on the forms of the alphabet. It is the UK National Council's preferred method of training journalists, and is taught in journalism faculties at UK universities.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Information on Shorthand
Step 1. Go to a specialized bookstore or library to find guides on learning shorthand
Alternatively, you can also order books online.
- Many books on shorthand are probably no longer printed. This is why it is easier to find resources in libraries, used book stores or online bookstores, which can offer a greater selection of texts.
- Some shorthand books are in the public domain and you can download them for free from the internet.
Step 2. Look for old "learning kits"
If you want to be self-taught, these kits are designed just for that. They include recordings with dictations, texts, self-assessments and other additional materials.
They often contain disused discs or cassettes, which is why you will probably need to equip yourself with a turntable or music cassette player
Step 3. Get a dictionary for your chosen shorthand method
These publications can show you how different words are written in shorthand.
Step 4. Take advantage of the wide range of resources you can find online about this writing method
You can find tutorials, dictations and shorthand examples.
Step 5. Sign up for a shorthand class
You can find them online or even at centers in your city. Do a search and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the course and have the time to follow the lessons and homework accurately
Part 3 of 3: Practicing Shorthand
Step 1. Start with realistic expectations
Anyone who claims that you can learn this writing method in a few hours should be taken with some skepticism. The time it takes depends mainly on how often you practice, the difficulty of the method and your speed goals. It may take up to a year of hard work to truly master shorthand in a useful way.
Step 2. Prioritize mastery of technique over speed
You must be sure that you have fully internalized the basic principles of the technique - the speed will increase with time.
Step 3. Practice every day
Practice for at least 45 minutes to an hour if you can. Remember, however, that daily sessions, however short, are better than longer but infrequent ones.
Step 4. Train in stages
Start with the alphabet, filling each row on a sheet of paper with a letter. Then move on to the words, doing the same thing. When you're ready, you can move on to the most common groups of words.
Say the words aloud as you write them to help your brain make the connection between the phonetic sound and the symbol
Step 5. Increase your speed by doing dictation exercises
You can find these dictations at different speeds (based on words per minute), so you can practice increasing at an increasingly rapid pace.
- Practice at each speed (30, 40, 50, 60, etc.) and when you reach a level you are comfortable with, move on to the next.
- If you want to train as much as possible, you can upload dictations to your MP3 player and practice whenever you have a few free minutes.
Advice
- You should try to write down the notes taken with the shorthand method as soon as possible, when the meaning of the text is still fresh in your memory.
- Get plenty of paper or inexpensive notebooks, you'll need several. But make sure it's smooth paper, as rough paper tends to slow down or make writing more difficult.
- Other writing systems have been developed that incorporate the letters of the alphabet to help write faster without sacrificing legibility, as is often the case with shorthand methods. These techniques are different from shorthand and do not require you to learn new symbols, but use a word abbreviation system.
