Shorthand means to write long words into concise words within seconds. Therefore, English shorthand is best for writing long words into short words within seconds.
English Shorthand helps a person take long notes quickly, like seconds or minutes. If you are fluent in English shorthand, you can take faster notes in meetings, interviews, and lectures.
This blog is about English Shorthand, its history, types of shorthands, and how to start learning it.
Short History of English Shorthand
Ancient civilizations are the roots of English Shorthand. In the early age, the ancient Greeks and Romans used English shorthand to document speeches and manuscripts. The Roman system of Tironian Notes was created about 63 BCE by Marcus Tullius Tiro, a longtime secretary (AKA stenographer) for the famous orator Cicero. It was the ancestor of modern shorthand systems.
The History of English Shorthand shows the ambitious mentality employed by human beings in persisting their search for brevity and ease of communication. Shorthand has evolved with the times – from ancient symbols to modern digital tools. Whether through traditional systems, say Pitman and Gregg shorthand or modern stenotype machines, this remains one of the indispensable skills if you want to record something in real-time at high speed with precision.
There are two types of Shorthand: Pitman Shorthand and the second is Gregg Shorthand.
Pitman Shorthand
Sir Isaac Pitman introduced Pitman Shorthand in 1837. Pitman was an average child in his school and had difficulties writing and taking notes, so he introduced shorthand, now known as Pitman Shorthand. In Pitman’s Shorthand system, we used Phonetic Symbols to represent sounds, making it easier to learn and use. With time, Pitman Shorthand became very popular worldwide, especially in the business world, and it is still used today.
Gregg Shorthand
Another popular shorthand system by John Robert Gregg, in the late 19th century Gregg Shorthand (1888): This more straightforward method focused on speed and ease of use by using elliptical figures in straight lines. The process became very popular in the United States and soon elsewhere.
In this blog website, we will use only Pitman Shorthand. There are a few benefits to using pitman shorthand.
Advantages of Pitman Shorthand
Pitman Shorthand is based on a phonetic system, where it represents sounds rather than the letters of the alphabet. Since it models speech directly, which makes learning and usage more intuitive. Pitman Shorthand can effectively record transmission only if it concentrates on sounds rather than spelling variations, which results in quicker and more accurate notetaking.
Moreover, Pitman Shorthand is sound-based; it can easily adapted to different tones and dialects. The tool is perfectly capable of pronunciations that differ from region to region and like the speaker. Therefore, it suits international needs. For example, the same symbol representing the same sound, whether it is British / American / Australian accented, will bring consistency and clarity in transcription.
Speed
if you want to take notes or record any lecture, then Pitman Shorthand is perfect for taking speedy notes. Writing Speed in Pitman Shorthand is one such great edge. Traditionally, Writing longhand can be time-consuming when transcribing every letter of a word. By comparison, Pitman Shorthand uses a series of primary characters and strokes to represent sounds, meaning users can write much quicker. Your speed benefits professionals who need to record spoken data quickly – such as journalists, court reporters and secretaries.
Quick Learning Curve:
It does take practice to become really good at shorthand, but because Pitman Shorthand has such a systematic, logical, and regular build-up of the different strokes and techniques, it can have you writing quickly within quite a short space of time. These symbols and rules are used consistently in the exercise, allowing learners to internalize this system more quickly. so everyone can use an efficient toolbox throughout their notetaking or transcription experiences.
Accuracy and Clarity
A phonetic symbol for each sound is used in Pitman Shorthand to minimize the chance of missing or wrong presentation. This level of accuracy is particularly important for applications that require verbatim transcription (e.g., legal and medical documentation). Pitman Shorthand helps retain context and ensure report precision by accurately recording spoken words.
Clear Distinctions:
Remember the following text: “There are endless variations of this, using different thicknesses and stroke positions, etc. For example, in the beautiful world of Pitman Shorthand, light strokes represent unvoiced consonants, while heavier ones represent voiced ones. These well-divided lines help keep your notes organized and distinguishable so that you cannot mix any two. In addition, the use of positions (above the line for vowels vs. on/under the line for consonants) brings everything into focus.”
- Compact Writing
Simplified symbols and abbreviations in Pitman Shorthand result in more compact expressions. Thus, you save lots of valuable space, which allows you to capture more information on a single page than standard longhand writing. This is incredibly convenient in cramped conditions, such as board meetings or court hearings. More content per page means more notes! This is in a compact package that organizes well so that you can easily keep your notes.
Easy Storage and Retrieval:
They also take up less space, making them easier to store and retrieve. This storage efficiency is excellent for legal or administrative professionals who keep years of records. Shorthand reduces the amount of paper needed; thus, it may be Slowed to a more efficient filing system.
Professional Advantage
Proficiency in Pitman Shorthand can also give you access to several specialized jobs across various industries requiring efficient and accurate notetaking. Shorthand disciplines are still used among professionals such as court reporters, medical transcriptionists and executive secretaries. With this skill, one can get job opportunities that individuals with no shorthand cannot apply to enhance their jobs and careers…
Competitive Edge
Shorthand skills can help you stand out in competitive job markets. Professionals who can transcribe speech quickly and accurately are always in high demand. Shorthand demonstrates that you have planned to become more efficient. This skill can be particularly beneficial in professions that require frequent note-taking, such as administrative roles, journalism, and legal support.
Efficient Meetings and Conferences:
Pitman Shorthand students can take complete and accurate notes at meetings, conferences, and lectures, ensuring that no necessary information is missed. This functionality can lead to more informed decisions and better project management, as the records of discussions and agreements are readily available for reference. Skilled at capturing detailed yet precise minutes can also create the impression that the individual is dependable and diligent.
Read More at Shorthandtips.com
