In the age of digital technology, such as voice-to-text apps and keyboards, writing down a speaker’s spoken words with pen and paper might seem like a thing of the past.
However, Pitman Shorthand, invented in 1837 by Sir Isaac Pitman, remains surprisingly relevant in specific sectors. This ancient shorthand system, which can record speech at the same pace, or even faster, than today’s typing speeds, is treasured.
In this article, we have briefly discussed why some people still use it even today and how it serves its purpose in the current digital world.
Industries Where Pitman Shorthand Remains Relevant
Sixty years ago, note-taking was done with pencil and paper (and even before typewriters), and graphic communication through Pitman Shorthand notes was an excellent skill.
Discover the numerous professions where shorthand skills are valuable and highly sought after.:
Journalism
Journalists attending events, interviews, and press conferences must record information quickly, especially when working against tight deadlines. While recording devices are standard, shorthand offers a silent, trustworthy means of writing notes without the need for technology. Unlike recordings that need to be played back, shorthand notes give journalists immediate access to key information, enabling them to work faster on short deadlines.
Journalism is a vital field. Therefore, to fulfill the requirements of this job, you have to be very efficient, especially while taking notes. Thus, shorthand skills are needed to satisfy this requirement.
Court Reporting
Court reporting is one of the most challenging jobs because court reporters must record the judge’s spoken words accurately and immediately with 100% accuracy. There is no chance of mistaking any word because the real-time orders were passed in the presence of the plaintiff and defendants.
Stenography machines are the lifeblood of many courtrooms, but Pitman Shorthand remains useful when reporters experience technical difficulties or need a quick backup.
Shorthand symbols simplify writing and help court reporters keep up with fast-paced dialogue, providing a more accurate account.
For court Reporting, only Pitman Shorthand is a skill that fulfills the requirement and allows one to take notes in real time without any missing information.
Medical Professions
Patients won’t forgive their doctors for having to stop to take notes. Pitman Shorthand provides a concise, effective note-taking method, particularly beneficial in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments, e.g., emergency departments, where seconds can make a significant difference.
For instance, an emergency room doctor assessing a trauma patient may need to rapidly document symptoms, vital signs, and initial treatment decisions while working with the medical team. In such cases, shorthand enables the doctor to quickly jot down key points in the notes without typing on a device or writing long sentences.
Similarly, a nurse walking through a busy hospital ward doing rounds can take notes in shorthand format regarding medication doses, patient responses, and follow-up instructions, minimizing the time spent on paperwork and maximizing time for direct patient care. For healthcare providers, shorthand offers a foundation of proven, pen-and-paper-based communication that can be quickly grasped when mobile devices are not readily available, such as during power outages, system failures, or when working in remote locations with limited technological support.
Secretarial Roles and Administration
Administrative professionals who support executives frequently have to take minutes or summarize meetings in real time, ensuring important points, decisions, and action items are accurately recorded.
Executives in high-level meetings often skip around from topic to topic quickly, so traditional writing in longhand or typing can’t keep up. Shorthand is a method that helps you write down a bulk of information quickly and frees up hours spent typing/writing only essential points without any errors or critical information.
For example, in a board meeting covering financial projections, strategic plans, and policy updates, a shorthand assistant can quickly capture key stats, arguments, and final decisions so that no essential nuance is overlooked or forgotten. This is especially useful in an executive or board meeting with many speakers and fast-moving discussions that must be accurately documented for review.
Moreover, shorthand assists in transcribing classified or sensitive conversations without audio records, ensuring that the process remains discreet and time-efficient. By mastering shorthand, administrative professionals enrich their effectiveness and ability to provide accurate summaries, streamline workflow, and support executives in decision-making processes.
How Pitman Shorthand Complements Modern Technology
Pitman Shorthand doesn’t have to compete with technology; it can assist with it. Professionals in fields requiring shorthand usually digitally keep their notes by storing or transcribing them later. For example, reporters might jot notes in shorthand out in the field and later use voice-to-text software or transcription services to produce digital records. This hybrid model allows professionals to have the best of both worlds: speed and accessibility by shorthand methods, with digital tools’ organizational and sharing capabilities.
Learning Pitman Shorthand: A Skill Worth Considering?
If you work in a profession where being able to note down information quickly could help you, it may be worth your while to learn Pitman Shorthand. Such a skill can give you a leg up, especially in fields where constant commentary and documentation are necessary. For many, shorthand works hand in glove with their digital skillset, enabling them to work in environments where technology isn’t always available.
Pitman Shorthand learners are now available at their fingertips. From beginner to pro, there’s plenty taught through online courses and reference books to learn how to do this. Practicing shorthand regularly can also improve your listening and concentration abilities—skills beneficial in virtually any career.
Conclusion
Pitman Shorthand may be a relic of a bygone age, but it continues to be a valuable skill in industries where quick, accurate note-taking is at a premium. Especially in fields like journalism, court reporting, medical professions, and administration, shorthand is so efficient and dependable that it still survives with the top practitioners. Pitman Shorthand proves that not everything practical goes the way of the digital world.
Shorthand is taking a backseat, but it is still a powerful tool for professionals looking for a low-tech, high-impact solution for best practices to communicate quickly.
