There are no secret tips or tricks to become a fast typist. But don't get discouraged just yet as this means that everyone can type faster with time and practice. Once you can type without looking at the keyboard, your typing speed will increase. The method is not complicated, but you need to apply good posture and know the position of the fingers on the keyboard keys. With patience and persistence, you can type at a satisfying speed.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Correcting Body Position
Step 1. Create a suitable typing and workspace
Work in a comfortable, well-lit, well-ventilated room. You need to type at the desk and the laptop is not placed on the lap. Feeling comfortable is very important if you are going to be working very long. Be sure to implement these things before proceeding.
Step 2. Improve posture
The correct posture when typing is sitting up straight with both feet on the floor and shoulder-width apart. Wrist height should be the same as the keyboard so that your fingers can move over the keys of the keyboard easily. The head should be slightly tilted downwards when looking at the screen, and the eyes should be 45-70 cm from the screen.
Most office chairs are adjustable. Adjust it so that you get a comfortable seat height
Step 3. Try not to bend over
Your posture should not change while working. Keep your position and posture to prevent wrist stiffness which will make you sluggish and ruin your work rhythm. Don't let your shoulders and back hunch over, and try to stay relaxed but firm.
Part 2 of 4: Setting the Right Finger Position
Step 1. Get to know your keyboard
Most keyboards use the same layout, which is named QWERTY because that's the first five keys from the top left corner of the keyboard. Many keyboards also have other keys with various functions.
- Most keys on the keyboard are used to type characters on the keys in a text area. Open a text processing program such as Microsoft Word and try pressing all the keys to see the characters that appear.
- Practice memorizing the positions of the letters and punctuation keys that are commonly used. You need to know where these keys are so you can type without seeing them, which will increase your typing speed.
Step 2. Learn proper hand position
To be able to type quickly, you need to hold your fingers and hands in a certain position on the keyboard, and return them to that position when you rest. Your hands should be slightly angled, i.e. the right hand should be slightly tilted to the left (approximately 45 degrees, and the left hand tilted to the right 45 degrees. In short, both hands should be slightly arched from the wrist, and fingers resting lightly on the " home row" on the keyboard. Here is the home row of each finger along with the division of the finger's task in pressing the keys on the keyboard:
- The left index finger must rest on the F key and is in charge of typing the keys: F, C, V, G, T, and 6.
- The left middle finger must rest on the D button and is in charge of pressing the buttons: D, R, 5, and X.
- The left ring finger should rest on the letter S and is in charge of typing the keys: Z, E, 4, and 3.
- The left little finger must rest on the A key, and is in charge of pressing the characters: A, \, Caps Lock, 2, 1, W, Q, Tab. Shift, and Ctrl.
- The right index finger should rest on the J key, and is in charge of typing the keys: 6, 7, U, J, N, M, H, Y, and B.
- The right middle finger must rest on the K button and is in charge of pressing the buttons: K, I, 8, and the comma button.
- The right ring finger should rest on the L key and be in charge of typing the keys: L, period, O, and 9.
- The right little finger should rest on the semicolon (;), and press the keys: semicolon, P, /, 0, ', -, =, [,], #, Shift, Enter, Backspace, and Ctrl.
- The left and right thumbs should rest on the space key.
Step 3. Close your eyes and say the button aloud when pressed
One of the best ways to remember the position of the keys on the keyboard is to look directly at the screen without looking at the keyboard, and say the name of the key when pressed. This method can help you memorize the position of the keys on the keyboard. Continue until you no longer have to say letters when pressing keys.
Part 3 of 4: Learning the Basics of the Touch-Typing Technique
Step 1. Measure your typing speed
There are many ways to estimate your typing speed, which is usually measured in WPM (words per minute). You can simply type WPM measurement test ” to an internet search engine and click on the top link. Take the test on this site and the results will be the starting point for your efforts to improve typing speed.
- By having a benchmark score, you can measure progress over time.
- In some places, scores are sometimes expressed in WAM (words a minute) units instead of WPM. These two units are no different.
- Don't forget that WPM is best measured over a period of time. If the measurement time changes, the WPM results will also change so you need to be consistent in choosing the time of the test to be able to measure progress efficiently.
Step 2. Start touch-typing slowly
Improving typing speed rests on gradually developing the skill, and touch-typing is usually the fastest way to type once you've mastered it. If you've never learned touch-typed before, you'll need to take this step a little longer. However, if you can type without looking at the keyboard, your speed will increase greatly.
- It's natural to feel frustrated when you start typing in a completely unfamiliar way, but with effort and patience, your skills will improve
- Try to limit finger movement only to reach the button that needs to be pressed.
Step 3. Be persistent in your practice and don't look at your hands
You should not look at the computer keyboard while typing so that your fingers are forced to learn the position of the keys with physical repetition. If you can't, try blocking your view of the keyboard by spreading a light cloth, such as a small towel, over your hands.
At first, you'll type slower than usual, but stick with it. If you can type without looking at the keyboard, your typing speed will greatly increase
Part 4 of 4: Practice and Improve Skills
Step 1. Keep practicing
Touch-typing is a tricky skill to master, but once you've got your fingers on the buttons correctly and you have good posture, the rest is as much practice as possible. Take time every day to practice to improve typing speed and accuracy. Over time, your WPM score will increase gradually.
If you can't set aside 10 minutes a day to practice typing non-stop, over time you'll see fewer mistakes
Step 2. Practice with online games
There are many sites that contain free typing games that you can practice with. Usually these sites provide a WPM score and record it so you can try to beat your record and compete with other people who are playing or taking these online tests.
Step 3. Practice typing from dictation
If you don't know what to type, a great way to practice is by hearing something or typing it as best you can. There's no limit to what you can type and it's even more fun to practice while listening to something interesting, such as an audiobook, online lecture, or podcast.
You can even type while listening to a television show so let your imagination run wild and try to have fun while you practice
Step 4. Monitor progress
Try taking the test again and monitoring your score every week. You will see progress over time. However, don't get too obsessed with improving your WPM score; consider how comfortable and easy it is for you to type faster.
Step 5. Consider a more formal exercise
There are a number of more formal programs designed to help you master touch type. Most of these programs are simple guided course sessions, or games that measure your typing speed and accuracy. If you want to quickly improve your typing skills, try following one.
- This program is also available in various variations. There are many typing tutors available on the internet; some programs can be downloaded for free, and others charge a fee. Some are more interesting than others, but all will improve your typing skills.
- Primarily, how quickly your skills improve depends on the amount of practice you do.
Step 6. Don't give up
Work hard and you can even beat the fastest typists, who can go up to 150 WPM over a continuous period, and go up to 200 WPM in a short session. Good typing skills can be useful for school and work. The faster you can type accurately, the faster the task can be completed.
Tips
- Keep your eyes on the typed text, even if it's not on the screen. Learn to trust your fingers to press the right buttons.
- Pay attention to the screen as you type to find typos if you are writing spoken words.
- Memorize the key positions of all the letters so you don't have to look at the keyboard and keep staring at the monitor.
- You can also use software like AutoHotkey or Mywe to help you type faster.
- Keep practicing. It takes a lot of practice to become a fast typist.
Warning
- Poor posture can result in RSI, or Repetitive Strain Injury. This condition can damage muscles and should be avoided.
- Make sure you take regular breaks and stretch your hands, wrists, and fingers.
