You should first determine your need for learning shorthand before looking into shorthand courses. There are several different types of shorthand, so if you’re taking a shorthand course at the request of an employer, ask if you have to learn a specific type of shorthand. If you have the option, research different shorthand methods and choose the one that you are most comfortable with. Finally, look into different course providers. When deciding whether or not to enroll in a particular school, consider factors such as reputation and cost.
Shorthand is a speed writing method that allows users to write hundreds of words per minute while accurately trancribing spoken words. Shorthand is a phonetic language because its symbols represent sounds. Secretaries and journalists used to take shorthand classes on a regular basis before the advent of easily accessible recording instruments, stenotype machines, such as those used by court reporters, and computers. Furthermore, many people, including students, valued the ability to take notes in shorthand during meetings, conversations, and lectures.
The main challenge in selecting shorthand courses is that in many industrialized countries, shorthand methods are not always taught in schools, even vocational or secretarial schools. If you want to take a shorthand course, you’ll need to contact several secretarial or office administration programs. If you live in a country where recording devices or computers are not readily available, however, secretarial and office technology programs may still teach shorthand. Always do your homework on any school you’re considering enrolling in, and make sure it has all of the necessary licenses to operate in your area.
You have a few options if you live in an area where shorthand classes are difficult to come by. Some shorthand fans have created websites with lessons, downloadable textbooks, and other resources. A used book dealer is another option for getting a shorthand textbook. To learn shorthand, many shorthand users recommend sticking to a regular practice schedule.
Another option is to locate a shorthand expert and ask if he or she would be willing to provide private tutoring. You might be able to persuade this person to teach a shorthand course to your group if you know of others who are interested in learning. If you decide to do so, you should look into the person’s background and make sure that he or she is capable of both using and teaching shorthand.