F.A.Q
Most of the government institutes offer one year certificate course in stenography. But for the preparation of stenographer exam, you can learn stenography from any private institute in 5 to 6 months
: You should practice writing dictation at a speed of at least 60 words per minute. After that the writing speed should be increased gradually
If you are preparing for office clerk and typist exam and your typing speed is good, then by learning stenography, you can increase both job level and opportunity. By learning stenography you will have an additional opportunity to get a job. Candidates preparing for SSC CHSL must learn shorthand.
Most of the stenographer exams (like SSC, State Secretariat, High Court etc.) have shorthand only skill test. Which you have to pass through shorthand speed. It does not require a certificate. There are also certificate courses to learn shorthand through various government and non-government institutions. But the Learning Certificate in Stenographers exam does not fulfill your eligibility because for this you must have the skill to write in stenography at a certain speed. If you apply for a stenographer teacher, in that case you may need a certificate.
: Shorthand is a small subject, which is also very easy and interesting. If you start learning shorthand then your curiosity to learn will increase and you will find it very easy
If your shorthand speed is 80 wpm and after that you practice at the speed of 100 wpm, then it may affect your correct speed also. Just like if the car is running in first gear and after that put in fourth gear, then the car will stop instead of running. It can also spoil the beauty of your writing. There is a high probability of missing words when writing at high speed suddenly. So should start with dictation with low differential of speed. Like first 85 words per minute and after that 90 words per minute. The shorthand speed can be easily increased by this process
You write dictation at a speed faster than your actual speed, due to which words are not spelled properly and they are difficult to recognize. You should try to write the dictation at a lower speed. With regular practice, you will be able to recognize words easily.
Dictation should be practiced regularly and written dictation should be translated within half an hour. Always choose a dictation of a speed that you can write easily. Separately practice writing errors and missed words in written dictation. Apart from this, practice writing those long words or those which you are having difficulty in writing separately. Then rewrite the same dictation in the same speed. You will see that the second time you will be able to write at a better speed than the dictation you wrote the first time. Keep repeating this process, making sure that you can easily write any new dictation at that speed.
Increasing speed in less time is indeed possible, but applying extra effort is very essential. Further, it depends upon the speed you have and the speed you want to go in and write. In case there is an urgent need to increase the speed, then you have to practice for minimum 15 times in a day. Five times in the Morning, then in the Afternoon, then at night. And then you will gradually notice the change in speed within a few days.
: The points that should be kept in mind before writing Shorthand Dictations are:-
If you have a Pencil, then sharp it properly. A Ball Pen is also preferable. It all depends on the user. It’s better to use the stationary that suits you.
Your Notepad should be broad enough between the lines for making the outlines Clear and Identifiable.
Before writing, keep the fact in your mind that you have to make small sized outlines as they take less time in drawing and one can write with more speed.
Give all your focus on the speaker and on the Notepad.
Think positive and forget all other things
Building up of Grammar and Vocabulary skills are very important if you are Shorthand Aspirant. While typing the Dictation, your spellings must be correct otherwise they will be counted as a mistake. Just keep on reading Newspapers, English Grammar Books, and learn news Synonyms and Antonyms daily
: Speed of typing increases with regular practice from 30 wpm, then 35 and up to 45 to 50 Wpm. When it’s about typing the content of Shorthand, the more you easily identify the word, faster will be the speed. Always try to type in a flow with minimum obstruction. To have a Good Shorthand speed is the only cure and is the best answer to this question.