Stenography is a fast writing method that replaces lines or symbols for certain sounds or letters, such as hieroglyphs (secret writing).
While its practical benefits are disappearing with the development of modern technology, the ability to write shorthand has several advantages. You'll have unique abilities that only a handful of people have, and can save time when writing notes by hand. Since it's so rare, it can even serve as a secret code if you want to keep your records private!
The following steps will help you on your way to mastering this ancient art.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Deciding Which Short Writing System to Study
Step 1. Learn the different types of shorthand, and consider the following factors:
difficulty level, essential features, and aesthetics. This will help you choose which system will be most useful to you. Here are the most popular forms of shorthand writing today:
-
Pitman. First presented by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837. Important features: Phonetics (records the sound of a letter or word rather than its own spelling); Take advantage of the thickness and length of the stroke; the symbol consists of a dot, a line, and a dash; its abbreviation system is based on the Pitman writing system. Level of difficulty: difficult.
- Gregg. Introduced by John Robert Gregg in 1888. Important features: Phonetics (records the sound of a letter or word rather than its own spelling); vowels are written as hooks and circles as consonants. Level of difficulty: medium/difficult.
- Teeline. Developed in 1968 by James Hill as an easier alternative to traditional abbreviations. Important features: More letter based than phonetic; symbol system, most similar to the English alphabet. Level of difficulty: easy.
-
Shorthand Keyscript. Invented in 1996 by Janet Cheeseman, Keyscript is based on Pitman, but is completely alphabetical, using no Pitman symbols, but only the lowercase letters of the alphabet. The form is phonetic. Level of difficulty: easy/medium.
Step 2. Determine your preferred learning method
If you study effectively in a structured classroom, consider taking a formal course on speed writing. If you're a fast learner and prefer to study on your own, maybe you can study on your own at home.
Step 3. Consider creating your own shorthand form
If learning the traditional method of shorthand writing seems too daunting, or if you're feeling creative, consider creating your own form of abbreviation.
Method 2 of 4: Taking Courses
Step 1. See if your local college or university offers short writing courses
Classes will help you write your shorts in a more structured way, and you'll meet other students to practice with and test your knowledge.
Step 2. Find a private tutor
If you prefer one-on-one training, a private tutor is a great option. While it can be more expensive, studying with a private tutor is a quick way to learn a skill because you'll get instant feedback on your mistakes.
Step 3. Consider an online course
There are many short writing courses available online, and some are free. Many of them have interactive elements such as practice tests, chat rooms, and study rooms that can facilitate your learning experience. Go to the internet to find a reputable website that fits your needs.
Step 4. Set a study schedule to keep your memory fresh
This step is important, because learning shorthand is very dependent on memorization. Whether you've chosen to take an online course or use a private tutor, make sure you practice shorthand a few times a week. If your classes or your private study sessions are only once a week, set aside time outside of class to practice and study.
Method 3 of 4: Self-study
Step 1. Find a guide, dictionary, and/or book on whichever writing system you have chosen to study
There are many books available on how to teach yourself shorthand writing. These books can be found in bookstores, libraries, or online.
Step 2. Memorize the symbols
Learn the entire alphabet and the symbols for each letter or sound, depending on which type of shorthand you're learning.
Step 3. Use flashcards (small cards with notes) to improve and test your memory
Since shorthand writing requires a lot of memorization, flashcards can be a great tool to help you remember which symbols represent letters, words, or sounds.
Step 4. Do the practice exercises listed in your book, if any
The exercises provided in the book are made by professionals to help you learn quickly and completely.
Step 5. Practice writing briefly using your book as a guide
Until you have completely memorized the abbreviated alphabet, practicing writing will help you build intuition and understand language more deeply than just using flashcards alone.
Step 6. Read the abbreviation
As with any language, reading, and understanding abbreviations will improve your ability to write.
Step 7. Test yourself
With the flashcards you have created, ask a friend to test your knowledge.
Method 4 of 4: Creating Your Own Abbreviations
Step 1. Abbreviate words, especially if they are very long
Make sure when you go back and read your notes, however, you'll know what word you shortened.
Step 2. Eliminate pronouns
For writing notes, pronouns are often unnecessary if the subject is already known. For example: “He likes to cook” becomes “Loves to cook.”
Step 3. Replace numbers with words
This is a simple way to save your time. For example, the number 2 can be used to replace the words “to, too, and two” (in English, the number 2 is “two” which reads similarly to “to, too, and two.”
Step 4. Use initials in place of a person's full name
Step 5. Use your imagination
If you want your language to be difficult to read, you have to be creative. Make substitutions that don't make sense, or are not commonly used. Consider using symbols to write your own unique alphabet, then memorize it and keep a copy or dictionary.
Tips
- Since writing short is meant to increase speed, make sure you don't press too hard with your pen when writing, as this will make your hands sore and tired faster, and lower your writing speed.
- If you are taking short writing notes in class or in the courtroom, write the keywords on the left side of your page for easy reference.
- Make sure you're using the correct pen and paper for the type of shorthand you're learning. Most short writing teachers suggest using a fountain pen.
- If you miss a certain word while taking dictation, continue writing and leave a space or mark where you missed the word and continue your note; when you finish the sentence, go back and write the word. This will help keep your pace.
