Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Choosing a Shorthand System
• Method 2 of 4: enrollment in courses
• Method 3 of 4: Self-study
• Method 4 of 4: Create your own cursive writing method
• Tips

Stenography (or cursive writing) is a method of speedy writing in which certain sounds and letters are replaced with characters that resemble hieroglyphs.

While the practical benefits of shorthand have faded with the advancement of modern technology, there are many benefits to mastering this skill. You will have a unique skill that few people can boast of these days, and which will significantly save your time when writing by hand. In addition, due to its rarity, it can become a kind of cipher if you want to keep the contents of your records secret!

The following steps will get you started mastering the endangered art of cursive writing.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Choosing a Shorthand System

1. 1 First of all, the different types of cursive writing should be studied, with particular attention to the level of difficulty, distinctiveness and aesthetics. This will help determine which type is right for you. The most famous shorthand systems are listed below:
   • Pitman. The system was first introduced by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837. Features: phonetic type (takes into account not the spelling, but the sound of a letter or word); sounds are recorded using dots, lines and strokes; the length and thickness of the strokes matters; special system of abbreviations. Difficulty level: hard.
   • Gregg. Invented by John Robert Gregg and used since 1888. Features: phonetic type; consonants are shown as hooks, and vowels are shown as rings. Difficulty level: medium / hard.
   • Teeline. Developed in 1968 by James Hill as a simplified version of traditional cursive writing. Features: based on letters, not sounds; the symbols are similar in appearance to the Latin alphabet. Difficulty level: easily.
   • Cursive Kiskript. Janet Cheesman developed the Kiscript phonetic stenography system in 1996 based on Pitman's cursive writing. However, the system does not contain any of the Pitman characters and uses exclusively the lowercase letters of the alphabet. Difficulty level: easy / medium.
2. 2 Decide on the form of training. If you prefer a formal classroom environment with a clear timetable and structured curriculum, then sign up for a cursive writing course. If you get a grip on the fly and love independence, you may be able to learn the art of shorthand on your own.
3. 3 Come up with your own cursive writing system. If you don't have the courage to start learning one of the traditional cursive writing systems, or if you're feeling creative, you can try inventing your own shorthand method.

Method 2 of 4: enrollment in courses

1. 1 Find out which university or college in your city offers shorthand courses. The lessons will help you learn cursive writing productively and consistently. In addition, you will meet other learners with whom you can consult and practice.
2. 2 Find a tutor. If you are more into one-to-one lessons, then a tutor is the best option. While one-on-one classes with a tutor can be quite expensive, it is one of the most effective ways to learn any subject, as you recognize your mistakes immediately and correct them.
3. 3 Consider online training. You can find many cursive writing courses online, including completely free ones. Many of them contain interactive elements that contribute to successful learning: practice tests, chats and personal accounts. You just need to find a good website that offers what you need.
4. 4 Have a clear class schedule and keep your head fresh. This is key, as you will have to memorize a very large amount of information while studying shorthand. Whether you study on your own or with a tutor, be sure to practice cursive writing as often as possible. If your individual or group lessons are only once a week, devote your free time to additional study of theory and practice.

Method 3 of 4: Self-study

1. 1 Find a manual, reference, and / or tutorial for your chosen shorthand system. There are many books devoted to self-study of cursive writing. You can find them in bookstores and libraries, or simply download them from the Internet.
2. 2 Memorize the symbols. Study the alphabet of the selected system from start to finish, memorizing the designation of each letter or sound.
3. 3 Use flashcards with symbols for better memorization. You will need to memorize a huge variety of symbols, and cards with their images will help you succeed in this.
4. 4 If your textbook contains practice exercises, remember to do them. They have been specially developed by professionals so that you can learn the material quickly and easily.
5. 5 Practice cursive writing using the textbook. Try to practice writing the symbols before you learn their meanings. This, in contrast to simple cramming, allows you to use your intuition and get deeper into the essence of symbolic language.
6. 6 Read cursive. Just like learning any other language, when you read cursive, you develop and improve your own writing skills at the same time.
7. 7 Check yourself. Ask someone to test your knowledge using the symbol cards you made.

Method 4 of 4: Create your own cursive writing method

1. 1 Abbreviate words, especially if they are very long. At the same time, make sure that later you will not have any difficulties with deciphering your abbreviations.
2. 2 Ignore pronouns. When writing text or speaking, pronouns are often unnecessary if you already know who or what they are talking about. For example, the sentence “She loves to cook” can be written simply as “Loves to cook”.
3. 3 Replace letters with numbers. This is an easy way to save time. For example, the word "family" can be written as "7th".
4. 4 Use initials instead of full names.
5. 5 Use your imagination! If you want the language you invented to become a real cipher, then you need to think it over well. You should not use widespread designations or those whose meaning lies on the surface. Come up with your own alphabet, memorize and have a copy of it with you.

Tips

• Shorthand is primarily used to speed up your writing, so don't press too hard on the pen when writing. Otherwise, your hand will get tired and you will write more slowly.
• If you are writing cursive in a lesson, couple, or training, you can include keywords in the margins in order to better navigate your notes.
• If you miss a word while recording your speech, just leave some free space and keep writing. After finishing the sentence, go back to that place and write in the desired word. This will keep you on track.
• It is important to select the correct paper and pen for your cursive writing system. Most stenographers recommend using a fountain pen.