Shorthand typing, also known as stenography or steno typing, is a specialized form of typing that allows trained practitioners to capture spoken words at very high speeds, often over 200 words per minute. Rather than typing out each individual letter as on a standard QWERTY keyboard, stenographers use chorded strokes to enter whole syllables or words with a single motion on a specialized chorded stenotype keyboard.
History of Shorthand Typing
The first shorthand typing machines were invented in the late 19th century to aid in efficiently recording the proceedings of courtrooms and legislatures. With training, stenographers could capture testimony and speeches verbatim at the speed of natural speech, which was not possible with handwriting or early typewriters. Various competing shorthand typing theories and keyboard designs emerged, but they all relied on the principle of chorded input for speed.
How Shorthand Typing Works
On a steno keyboard, multiple keys are pressed simultaneously (known as a “chord”) to generate syllables, words, or phrases in a single stroke. The keys are not labeled with letters but rather sounds. The chorded input is automatically translated into English text by specialized translation software and custom dictionaries. Proficient stenographers can enter over 200 words per minute with near perfect accuracy after extensive training.
Shorthand Typing vs Regular Typing
In contrast, typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard involves pressing one key at a time to input individual letters to form words. Average professional typists can achieve 50-80 words per minute. Even world record typists on QWERTY keyboards top out around 200 wpm, while top stenographers can exceed 300 wpm. However, shorthand typing requires much more extensive training and practice to master the chorded input.
Modern Usage of Shorthand Typing
While digital audio recording and speech-to-text software have replaced steno typing in some areas, stenographers and their distinctive chorded keyboards are still commonly used for live captioning, court reporting, and live event transcription where real-time speed and accuracy are paramount. Steno is also used by some people, such as accessibility advocates and coders, as a very efficient input method on computers and mobile devices.
Conclusion
While shorthand typing is not as prevalent as it once was due to technological advances, it remains an impressive skill with valuable niche applications. For most people focused on improving their typing in English, practicing on a regular QWERTY keyboard is more practical. But for those needing to capture speech with maximum speed and precision, learning shorthand typing may be worthwhile. At the very least, it provides an interesting glimpse into how we can push the boundaries of human-computer input.