Strategies to Increase Your Shorthand Speed Beyond 30 WPM
After completing 42 exercises from Pitman shorthand, reaching a speed of 30 words per minute (wpm) is a great start, but there's always room for improvement. In this guide, we’ll explore essential strategies to help you enhance your shorthand speed beyond this milestone.
1. Regular Practice
Daily Practice: Dedicate at least 15-30 minutes of focused time each day to practice shorthand. Consistency is key in building muscle memory and fluency.
Varied Materials: Challenge yourself by using a variety of texts, including news articles, speeches, and conversations. This will improve your adaptability and broaden your shorthand vocabulary.
2. Increase Your Vocabulary
Learn New Briefs: Expand your shorthand vocabulary by learning new briefs for common words and phrases. This will enable you to write more quickly and efficiently.
Contextual Practice: Write out passages using your shorthand notes to reinforce new vocabulary in context. This will help solidify your understanding and retention of these briefs.
3. Focus on Accuracy First
Accuracy Over Speed: Prioritize accuracy in your shorthand before focusing solely on speed. As you become more comfortable with the strokes and symbols, speed will naturally follow.
Review Mistakes: Regularly analyze any errors you make to understand the areas where you can improve. Consistent revision is essential for steady progress.
4. Use a Timer
Timed Drills: Set a timer for 1-5 minutes and transcribe passages to challenge yourself. Gradually increase the difficulty and speed of the material to test your limits.
Track Progress: Keep a record of your speed and accuracy over time. This will not only help you see improvements but also identify areas that need more attention.
5. Practice with Audio
Dictation Exercises: Listen to audio recordings at varying speeds and transcribe them in shorthand. Start with slower recordings and gradually increase the pace as you improve.
Real-Life Dictation: Practice dictation from real-life scenarios such as lectures or speeches. This will help you apply your skills in a practical context.
6. Join a Group or Find a Partner
Study Group: Join a shorthand study group or find a partner to practice with. This can provide motivation and expose you to different techniques and approaches.
Peer Review: Exchange shorthand notes with others to see different styles and methods. Peer feedback can offer valuable insights and enhance your own shorthand skills.
7. Utilize Technology
Shorthand Software: Consider using shorthand software or apps that provide practice exercises and track your progress. These tools can offer personalized feedback and adjust the difficulty level based on your performance.
Online Resources: Explore online courses or videos that offer tips and techniques for improving shorthand speed. Many platforms have step-by-step guides and interactive lessons.
8. Set Goals
Incremental Goals: Set achievable speed goals, such as increasing by 5 wpm every few weeks. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge your progress and celebrate every milestone. This can help maintain motivation and keep you on track.
9. Physical Comfort
Proper Posture: Ensure you are sitting comfortably and maintaining good posture while writing. Proper ergonomics can help reduce fatigue and improve your writing speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Practice Hand Movements: Spend time practicing the fluidity of your hand movements. Efficient writing requires smooth and precise hand gestures to increase speed without compromising accuracy.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies consistently, you should see an improvement in your shorthand speed. Remember, persistence is key. Keep practicing and challenging yourself to reach new levels of proficiency.