What kind of speedwriting should I learn?
June 11, 2012 11:31 AM   Subscribe

How can I learn to write notes very quickly?

Hi. I'd like to learn to speedwrite (i.e., write down conversations quickly). This is for my own use as a notetaker, and it doesn't have to be the formal shorthand with lots of squiggly lines. (I don't really have the time or patience for that, or the need to be that good). I just want a good system for lots of abbreviation to improve my speed that I can understand what I've abbreviated. It would be great if it's fairly easy to learn and intuitive.

Does anyone have any suggestions for books or easy-ish distance/online courses for this? I kind of like the look of this system but I'd prefer one that came with some reviews.

Thanks!
posted by EtTuHealy to Writing & Language (5 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
 
Not an abbreviation system, but using something like this Livescribe Smartpen allows you to jot down a word or two, a diagram, etc. that are then linked to specific time points in a digital recording of the conversation or lecture.
posted by goggie at 11:53 AM on June 11, 2012


I take it you've ruled out shorthand?
posted by namewithoutwords at 12:01 PM on June 11, 2012


Response by poster: Not quite ruled it out -- those are great but was hoping for something a little easier to learn, even if it compromises on speed . . .
posted by EtTuHealy at 12:50 PM on June 11, 2012


I used to just skip the vowels. Use symbols when I could; + and @ and < > and so forth. U for you, 2 for two - way before textspeak/lolspeak. It saved me quite a lot of time.
posted by lemniskate at 1:06 PM on June 11, 2012


We learned speedwriting at the phone company back in the day. Basically, you reduce the vowels.

Spk to mrs re bl, sd nt intrst in clr id.

Translation, Spoke to Mrs regarding her bill, not interstested in caller ID.

Is that the sort of thing you're interested in?
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 1:07 PM on June 11, 2012


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