If you have shorthand skills, then it’s good, but if you have shorthand speed, then it is excellent, especially for those who need to take notes as quickly as possible or even note speeches. However, mastering how to write shorthand has its own hurdles.
Most learners find themselves challenged by the intricate nature of symbols, the high speeds needed to understand real-time conversation, and the never-ending consistency required to master a variety of shortcuts. So, how can you get past this and become a short-handed champion? In this article I will teach how to overcome challenges in learning shorthand.
Related article: How to Improve English Shorthand Speed?
1. Understand the Basic Symbols Before Speeding Up
Writing shorthand at speed is one of the most common mistakes students make. As they learn to write, shorthand attempts to speed up their writing before their brains have adjusted.
First, learn the basic concepts of every symbol. Select a single shorthand system, such as Gregg, Pitman, or Teeline, that fits your aims and stays with it. Understand it and build a solid foundation. Start simply (but not easily), practice drawing the basic symbols by hand, and do it slowly until you reach a moment where this happens subconsciously in your mind.
2. Develop a Consistent Practice Routine
It is vital that you understand the rule of consistency in shorthand, as consistency in shorthand is the key. You have to spend more time every day learning how these symbols or shorthand phrases are written. The results can be tremendous even with only 15–20 minutes daily. Studies have shown that daily practice strengthens memory because regular practice is also the best way to build up muscle memory, which will help you write those symbols faster (and more accurately)! Over time, you will see that symbols become much easier to write for you.
3. Focus on Accuracy Over Speed Initially
Shorthand is all about speed. but without accuracy, you are nothing, even if your speed is 120WPM. Assure that you are practising very slowly at the beginning of and moving to increase your speed. Better focus on getting each symbol right. Mistakes are costly later. It’s better to write correctly–slowly than quickly … and not. If you can just practice being accurate with your solving, speed will follow.
4. Use Audio Practice to Mimic Real-Life Scenarios
By practising with your own voice or using audio files after recording dictation, you can also boost shorthand speed. Begin with the slower versions of recordings and work up to the artist’s speed as you progress. This will help develop the hand and brain pace to follow real-time note-taking situations like in lectures or meetings. Using audio while practising does not just help speed up; it also gives you the mental practice of learning things on the go.
5. Break Down Complex Words into Simple Symbols
The 2nd thing is that many shorthand learners need help to learn complex words or phrases as an easy pattern of symbols; this is a big obstacle between you and becoming Fast Writer words. Simply put, you deal with words by segmenting them. To expedite the writing process, only focus on representing the most critical components of each word, such as a more core set of consonants or prominent syllables. You will learn to write words with ease as you catch on to ways of short handwriting for the repetitively used terms.
6. Use Mnemonics to Remember Symbols and Patterns
Even seemingly close variants can be complex for the AD brain when learning shorthand symbols. Memory aids, such as mnemonics, are used in their most basic form, whereby each symbol is associated with an image or mnemonic rhyme to help make it more memorable. The more links you make, the easier it will be to find where symbols are under pressure. It is a great way to solidify what you have memorized while helping transition memory into real-life applications.
7. Join a Shorthand Practice Group or Class
Accountability is essential for someone who struggles to learn shorthand. So, it is necessary to join shorthand practice groups or classes. Nowadays, many online forums, social media groups, and local courses are available for practice, and there are loads of other shorthand learners out there. You can also join and practice writing exercises or judge other speed and accuracy-building activities for better learning.
8. Review and Analyze Your Progress Regularly
Keeping you on course and motivated and tracking your progress regularly is key. Check your shorthand notes regularly to see sequences, mistakes and errors you make so that you can change the way with time. It helps to self-assess and determine where you have grown, which areas need work etc. This, in turn, serves as additional proof that you have really taken a new interest, and it further motivates continued practice.
9. Incorporate Technology for Enhanced Learning
These days there are more accessible ways of learning shorthand through apps and online tutorials. Mobile apps and software tools such as those available for shorthand learners have practice exercises; drills, or quizzes. These awesome digital resources will make you really powerful wherever and whenever. Using technology that can keep you organized, measure progress and structure your study plan.
10. Stay Patient and Persistent
Practice and patience are the primary keys for shorthand. Shorthand differs from regular writing and includes a whole new set of symbols and another way to think. It might not seem like much at first, but you will get a steady improvement over time. Keep noticing small successes in the short term, and remember why you’re giving your time to this long process of learning shorthand. Read Back Your Note-Taking Work Out Loud This is a simple but very effective technique I used when practising theory apart from dictations.
Practical Examples for Overcoming Common Challenges In Shorthand
Here are practical examples for overcoming common challenges in learning the three most famous shorthand types: Gregg, Pitman, and Teeline. These examples focus on specific techniques to help learners improve accuracy, speed, and memory for each system.
1. Gregg Shorthand
Gregg Shorthand uses simplified symbols based on cursive, making writing faster but requiring a solid understanding of curves and strokes. Here’s how to tackle common challenges in learning Gregg Shorthand with practical examples.
Example 1: Practice Basic Symbols with Curves
In Gregg Shorthand, curves and slants form the basis of most symbols. To improve accuracy with these shapes:
- Practice writing the letter “m” using an upward slant, a slight curve to the left.
- Practice the word “man” by connecting “m” and “n” in one smooth motion to build muscle memory for connecting letters.
Example 2: Master Common Phrases with Standardized Outlines
Gregg Shorthand has standard outlines for common phrases, making it quicker to note down frequently used phrases.
- Use the outline “hw” for “how are you” and practice it several times until you can write it instinctively.
- For the phrase “I think”, use a simple downstroke for “I” and an “nk” for “think.” Practicing these common phrases repeatedly will help improve speed and consistency.
Example 3: Use Audio Practice for Gregg’s Speed Emphasis
Gregg Shorthand is designed for fast note-taking, so practicing with audio helps simulate real-life situations:
- Play a news podcast and focus on shorthand symbols for nouns and action verbs.
- If the audio says, “The president spoke about the economy,” write “pr sdnt spk ec” in shorthand, omitting non-essential words.
2. Pitman Shorthand
Pitman Shorthand relies on line thickness, position, and placement of vowels, which can be tricky. Here are practical examples to handle these aspects effectively.
Example 1: Use Thick vs. Thin Lines for Consonant Accuracy
Pitman Shorthand distinguishes sounds using thick and thin lines, so mastering this is crucial:
- Practice the “p” and “b” sounds by writing “p” as a thin vertical line and “b” as a thick vertical line.
- For the word “pack”, start with a thin line “p” and then add the symbol for “a” in the same line to solidify the distinction.
Example 2: Practice Positioning Vowels
Pitman uses different line positions to represent vowels. For instance:
- The vowel sound “a” (as in “cat”) is represented by a light dot placed above the consonant line, while “e” (as in “bet”) is below.
- Write words like “pat” and “pet” by placing the dots at the appropriate positions on the “p” symbol. Practice positioning to make sure the vowels are easily distinguishable.
Example 3: Focus on Common Words Using the Stroke Method
Pitman Shorthand includes short forms for common words, so memorize these for efficiency.
- For “the”, use a simple dot.
- For “in”, write a light dash.
- Write sentences like “The cat sat in the hat” using these shortcuts: “• c s i • h” and review it to ensure clarity.
3. Teeline Shorthand
Teeline is a modernized shorthand based on alphabetic shapes and omits unnecessary vowels, making it simpler but still requiring practice remembering word outlines. Here’s how to make Teeline more manageable with practical examples.
Example 1: Practice Removing Vowels
Teeline shorthand removes many vowels to streamline words, so practising vowel omission is key:
- Take a phrase like “important meeting” and write it as “mprtnt mtn.”
- Practice words with removed vowels until it feels natural to omit them. This will speed up your Teeline writing without affecting readability.
Example 2: Simplify Complex Words with Custom Outlines
In Teeline, creating quick outlines for long words is essential:
- For “representative,” practice writing “reprsttv” by focusing on the consonants. Repeat this outline multiple times to commit it to memory.
- Try to develop your outlines for words like “environment” (envrmnt) and “organization” (orgnzn) to simplify them further.
Example 3: Use Mnemonics for Common Symbols
To make Teeline symbols easier to remember, use mnemonic devices:
- For “people,” use the symbol for “ppl” and imagine it as “a group of people standing together” to reinforce memory.
- Create mental images for symbols you find tricky to recall, such as imagining the letter “s” in “school” as a building, to aid quick recognition.
Conclusion
While it may seem difficult to learn shorthand, the challenges can be overcome through various strategies. Eventually, we all get there by trying not to break so many of the basic rules (accuracy before velocity in coding, setting strict practice times and using mnemonic tools). Listening practice, group materials and technology support the learning. Be patient and proud of all your little accomplishments; eventually, you will feel comfortable enough to whip out the shorthand in any situation.
