Q&A for How to Write Shorthand

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How long does it take for one to master shorthand?

Community Answer

It took me one semester to learn Gregg shorthand. Of course, the amount of time will vary according to the amount of time you practice and how quickly you pick things up.

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Question

Which shorthand technique is the best to learn?

Community Answer

It depends on who you are. Mine was Gregg shorthand, but my friend's was Pittman shorthand. It differs between people.

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Question

In Pitman and Gregg shorthand, which one is better for competitive exams?

Community Answer

There was a competition to determine this, and it's been shown Gregg has a slight advantage.

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How can I prepare for a shorthand exam coming up in five days time?

Purplecakecaroline

Community Answer

Study as much as you can!

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Question

How can I learn shorthand quickly?

Community Answer

Start by using brief forms and knowing common words: have, is, the, and, or short phrases like do not, could you, should you and then go on from there. However, be aware that complicated phrases and words can become a problem if you aren’t immediately translating them.

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Question

What is the difference between Pitman and Gregg shorthand?

Community Answer

These are methods that use completely different strokes and lines. Pitman shorthand uses mostly straight lines, dots, and different amounts of pressure. Gregg shorthand uses more curved and detailed lines.

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Question

I did shorthand as a part time student, but I didn't finish the theory part of the training and it's been a year now. How can I find a book and take the exam on my own?

Community Answer

They have shorthand tutorials online and you can find books on the subject at most libraries. If you wish to buy the book, you can look at stores/sites like Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc.

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What's the fastest I can write shorthand?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

You can write shorthand as fast as your hands allow you to. If you think your hand muscles could legibly move faster, practice until they do. But you can never write faster than your hands can move. Good shorthand writers can write down what people say at the speed that they say it.

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Question

Are there any other kinds of shorthand? None of these are working.

Jason Brown

Community Answer

Of the three, Teeline is the easiest, so perhaps refocus on that option. Also, try stepping away from shorthand for a few days, weeks, or even months. Everyone learns differently, and for some it takes time for learning to seep through the brain filters.

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Question

What does a v stand for in shorthand?

Community Answer

The outline v in shorthand means the personal pronoun I in long hand.

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Question

What is the easiest style of shorthand?

Verin

Top Answerer

The order probably is: Teeline, followed by either Gregg or Pitman. Teeline looks the easiest as you're only removing some of the letters in the words and can decipher it later with a little bit of logic, whereas with Gregg and Pitman you have to learn the different symbols and practice drawing them. Ultimately it depends on the person, so try them all and see which one works best for you.

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Question

Are there any more types of shorthand? At the top it states there are many different techniques, but the three listed here are the most common.

Community Answer

There are many types of shorthand. Some of the others are Eclectic shorthand, Speedwriting and Gabelsberger shorthand.

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Question

Has anyone heard of shorterhand? I took this in high school in Canada in the mid 1970’s. I can’t seem to find any information on it online.

Community Answer

Yes! There is a book called "Pitman Shorterhand" by Reid Thompson, which was published in 1971, and another book "Practical dictation and transcription" by Dorothy F. Haydon, published 1975.

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