At Elegant SMP, we pledge ourselves to the mission of transforming lives through the power of scalp micropigmentation. Yet, our aspirations don’t end there. We avidly inspire people to master skills that make their lives more enjoyable and efficient. Today, let’s unravel the secrets of an incredibly efficient skill often sidelined – shorthand. Less than 1% of the world knows of this skill.
Shorthand – a time-tested writing system that facilitates rapid, efficient note-taking by using symbols in place of sounds, words, or phrase. Though perceived as old-school in the face of emerging tech trends, learning shorthand can provide you with a competitive lead in several fields. To answer why learn shorthand when already charging through a fast-paced world – it’s to match the pace and make haste.
Table of Contents
Privacy
Mystique
Shorthand Writing Systems: A Comparative Analysis
Before we explore the benefits of shorthand, let’s understand the four popular shorthand systems a bit better: Pittman, Gregg, Forkner, and Teeline.
| Shorthand System | Symbol Count | Speed (Words per Minute) | Level of Difficulty | Time to Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittman | 700 | 200 | High | 1-2 years |
| Gregg | 700 | 200 | Medium to High | 1 year |
| Forkner | 140 | 100-150 | Low to Medium | 6 months |
| Teeline | 36 | 150 | Medium | 3-6 months |
Pittman and Gregg
Pittman and Gregg are two powerful English shorthand systems that enable one to write as fast as 200 words per minute. Originating in the 19th century, these intricate systems come equipped with a vast set of around 700 symbols. The learning curve is steep and mastering them might take around 1 to 2 years, but the payoffs in terms of speed are nothing short of impressive.
Teeline
Teeline, meanwhile, is significantly simpler. Presenting the lowest symbol count of 36, one can reach a speed of around 150 words per minute after diligent practice over 3-6 months. Introduced in the 1960s, this method trims unneeded loops and strokes, making it faster to write and easier to learn, notwithstanding a challenging mastering phase. This shorthand is popular amongst journalists.
Forkner
Now enters my personal favorite – Forkner Shorthand. Offering a formidable speed of 100-150 words per minute and an economical symbol count of only 140, this method dates back to the late 20th century. Herein lies its charm – a striking simplicity that mirrors longhand cursive, that one could master within 6 months.
Despite the lack of extensive learning material, Forkner’s Shorthand triumphs in its intuitive approach to faster note-taking, driving you further ahead in your professional endeavors.
The Wonders of Shorthand Speed
A person writes about 22-31 words per minute by hand on average, this jumps to 38-40 words per minute when typing. That might seem sufficient for routine tasks, but what during a critical lecture, an important meeting, or an interview where every word could be consequential?
Here enters the superhero of quick note-taking – Shorthand. With the capacity to capture 100+ words per minute, shorthand not only enhances your writing speed but also hones your listening skills, amplifies your retention ability, and heightens your concentration power.
Linking Shorthand to Efficiency
How does learning shorthand render you more efficient? Picture attending a seminar where important points are being thrown at a speed faster than you can jot. If you were armed with any of the above shorthand methods, you could capture all key information without exhausting your energies in keeping pace.
Mastering this skill, be it Forkner or any other of your choice, reveals a heightened potential of your subconscious you never knew existed. Learning shorthand isn't merely about racing with time, it's more about training your mind to process bulk information efficiently, and rapidly.
Takeaway
In a world focused on speed and efficiency, don’t allow your note-taking skills to be left behind. Whether you’re a student, a journalist, a researcher, or a working professional, mastering shorthand can revolutionize how you record, retain, and use information.
To quote Benjamin Franklin,
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Echoing his words at Elegant SMP, we wholeheartedly agree, be it enhancing your hairline or your note-taking skills!
Elevate your speed of efficiency with shorthand. It’s a step towards arming oneself with the critical skills needed for a complex world, the investment is worth it so you can have more time to do whatever you want to do.
