One of the most essential skills in today’s fast-paced world is taking good notes; for students or professionals, good note-taking can catapult you miles ahead. Shorthand is a powerful tool for saving time and gathering important information when taking notes at lectures, meetings, or interviews.
This article explains that learning such an easy shorthand system only takes a few moves, making this guide childlike and straightforward. I will teach you the Easy to Learn Shorthand System for Students and Professionals.
Read More About: Which is Better: Gregg Vs. Pitman Shorthand? A Comprehensive Comparison
Why Learn Shorthand?
Why learn shorthand? If this question is raised in your mind, then it is necessary to provide the answer to this question.
If you are a student or professional in fields that require extensive note-taking, English shorthand can help boost efficiency by maximizing the amount of notes/documentation. Shorthand can record spoken words quickly and accurately. It plays an important role during lectures, meetings, and any situation where information is being communicated rapidly.
Moreover, learning shorthand allows you to run a fast discussion and not miss any important information. This skill is helpful not only for learning but also in writing reports and minutes from high-pressure conversations.
Furthermore, practicality for academic and professional progress, learning shorthand can enhance your cognitive skills. It utilizes different portions of your brain related to memory and processing speed while allowing for individual style differences within the framework.
Choosing a Shorthand System
However, before proceeding with the learning, you must choose one system. There are many shorthand systems, each known for specific rules and levels of difficulty. The most popular choices among them include:
Gregg Shorthand.
It was created by John Robert Gregg in 1888 and is one of the most common systems in the U.S. It is a shape-based system—in other words, it is based on phonetics and sounds, not letters. Gregg Shorthand is generally easy to learn and convenient, making it the best choice for a beginner.
Pitman Shorthand.
It was introduced by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837. While widespread, it differs from Gregg Shorthand: It is line-based, with lines and curves of different thicknesses to depict various sounds. While it is more complex and challenging to learn than Gregg Shorthand, it is more accurate and allows for detailed writing.
Teeline Shorthand.
Teeline is considered to be one of the most popular shorthand systems in the U.K., including among journalists. It was introduced by James Hill in 1968, and it is a simplified version of Pitman Shorthand. Teeline is easy to learn and adjust, so it is popular among students and young people.
Speedwriting.
It is a simplified system that uses abbreviations and symbols to represent words or phrases. It is less formal than the previous two systems but is still common and possible. You can consider between these systems depending on what you need the shorthand for – accuracy or quick writing. It is better to learn Speedwriting or Teeline for students and fast notes. If you need detailed information or work with the shorthand more than occasionally, choose Gregg or Pitman.
Easy to Learn Shorthand System for Students and Professionals: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s Propose you choose Pitman Shorthand. Now, I will give you an example from this shorthand system.
Step 1. Learn Basic Symbols/Strokes
A shorthand system has symbols or strokes representing letters, sounds, and words. The very first step is to understand these symbols. Write them out over and over, and they become ingrained.
These symbols have the basic rule to write down, such as above the line, on the line, below the line, etc. So, you have to learn about all the rules.
Step 2: Start Simple With Words and Phrases
After the basic symbols, make some simple words or sentences to train your brain. Start with everyday words you use regularly. Write them out in abbreviated form until you can do so unaided. Both will help you gain speed and trust.
Step 3: Get familiar with the most common abbreviations and shortcuts
The most common abbreviation, in and equipment to the area of elementary stenography, gives shorthand a lousy name. Shorthand has built-in shortcuts and abbreviations that help to increase speed and accuracy. These basic shortcuts are necessary to get more familiar with the system.
The Pitman shorthand book provides hundreds of abbreviations and shortcuts called short forms and phrases. Practice using these shortcuts in sentences from memory.
Step 4. Develop Your Own Shorthand Outlines
When you get the hang of shorthand, it may be helpful to create your own format. After learning the basic rules and short forms, it is necessary to make your own shorthand outlines. In this way, you can get dictation or take notes 100% accurately and quickly. The best thing about this method is that these shortcuts will be remembered in your mind and never forgotten. Moreover, it will allow your shorthand to stay personalized and trend more efficiently.
Stage 5: Practice, Practice, Practice
Shorthand is the one skill that only comes with practice and daily use. You can allocate time to reviewing and transcribing shorthand text in just a few minutes each day. Whether transcribing text from a book, making notes during lectures, or even compiling your grocery list in shorthand, you just need to keep practicing. That way, you can start writing faster and more accurately.
Step 6: Test Yourself
Regularly take tests to judge how much you have covered. Next to the original text, compare it with your notes. Doing this can show you weak points that need attention.
Step 7: Shortcut Psychology in Action
Doing real-world practice is the only way to get really good at shorthand. For example, first, you can take notes during your meetings or lectures or interview someone in shorthand. As time passes, you will discover that your ability to capture information becomes faster and more accurate.
Step 8: Audit and Optimize Your System
As you practice your shorthand, you might see where other things could be done within your system. Review and perfect your shorthand notes, symbols, or shortcuts. They will save you a lot of time, making your note-taking more effective and efficient.
