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What Is Shorthand?

Shorthand is a method of rapid writing that uses symbols, abbreviations, and simplified letter forms to capture spoken language at speeds impossible with regular handwriting. Where normal handwriting maxes out around 20-30 words per minute, a skilled shorthand writer can record 100-200+ words per minute — fast enough to capture live speech word for word.

It was, for centuries, the technology of real-time recording. Before audio recorders, computers, and voice recognition, shorthand was how court proceedings were documented, speeches were preserved, and business meetings were recorded. The skill was so essential that it was a standard part of secretarial training well into the 1980s.

How It Works

All shorthand systems share a common strategy: replace the full written form of words with much faster-to-write alternatives. The approaches differ, but the goal is always speed.

Symbol-based systems (like Pitman and Gregg) replace the alphabet entirely with simplified curves, lines, and dots that can be written in fewer strokes than conventional letters. In Gregg shorthand — the most popular system in the United States — the word “the” is a single short dash. “And” is a quick curve. Common words that take multiple strokes in regular writing become single fluid marks.

Alphabetic systems (like Speedwriting and Teeline) keep recognizable letters but abbreviate heavily — dropping vowels, using single letters for common words, and abbreviating prefixes and suffixes. These are easier to learn but generally slower than symbol-based systems. Teeline is the system most commonly taught to journalism students in the UK.

Machine shorthand (stenotype) uses a specialized keyboard that allows the operator to press multiple keys simultaneously, creating phonetic chords rather than individual letters. A single key combination can represent an entire word or phrase. This is what court reporters use, and it’s the fastest method — trained operators routinely exceed 200 words per minute.

The Major Systems

Pitman shorthand (1837) was the first widely successful system, invented by Sir Isaac Pitman in England. It uses geometric shapes — straight lines, curves, and circles — with variations in thickness and position representing different sounds. Light strokes mean one thing; heavy strokes mean another. It’s phonetic, meaning you write sounds rather than spellings. Pitman dominated the British Commonwealth for over a century.

Gregg shorthand (1888) was developed by John Robert Gregg, an Irishman who designed a system based on natural handwriting motions — smooth curves and loops rather than Pitman’s angular strokes. Gregg doesn’t use light/heavy stroke distinctions, making it faster to write and easier on the hand. It became the dominant system in North America and remained the standard in American business and education through the 1960s.

Teeline (1968) was designed specifically for journalists by James Hill. It simplifies the alphabet by removing unnecessary strokes from regular letters and adds basic abbreviation rules. It’s faster to learn than Gregg or Pitman — most students reach usable speeds within a few months — though top speeds are generally lower.

A Surprisingly Rich History

People have been trying to write faster than speech since ancient times. The earliest known shorthand system was developed by Marcus Tullius Tiro, secretary to the Roman statesman Cicero, around 63 BC. “Tironian notes” — as the system was called — were used throughout the Roman Empire and survived in modified form into the medieval period. The symbol for “et” (Latin for “and”) — which looks like an ampersand (&) — may derive from Tironian notes.

Shorthand experienced a renaissance in 16th-century England, partly driven by demand for recording sermons. Churchgoers wanted to take home transcripts of particularly good preaching, and shorthand made that possible. Samuel Pepys wrote his famous diary (1660-1669) in a shorthand system called Shelton’s tachygraphy — partly for speed and partly for privacy.

The 19th and early 20th centuries were the golden age. Shorthand was taught in schools, required for secretarial positions, and essential for journalism. Charles Dickens used shorthand as a young parliamentary reporter. Multiple U.S. presidents took office with shorthand skills. At its peak in the 1950s, millions of Americans could read and write at least basic shorthand.

The Decline and What Survived

Audio recording technology made shorthand unnecessary for most applications. Dictation machines appeared in the early 1900s. Portable recorders became common by the 1960s. Computer word processing in the 1980s further reduced demand. By the 1990s, shorthand had largely disappeared from school curricula and office practice.

But it hasn’t vanished entirely. Court reporting remains a thriving profession using machine shorthand — and demand exceeds supply. The National Court Reporters Association reports a growing shortage of qualified stenographers, with median salaries exceeding $60,000. Real-time captioning for television, live events, and accessibility services also relies on machine shorthand operators.

Some journalists still use pen shorthand, arguing that it’s more reliable than devices (batteries die, recordings fail) and that the active engagement required for shorthand note-taking produces better understanding of the material. A few advocates promote shorthand as a personal productivity tool — a private code for journaling, note-taking, and brainstorming that’s faster than regular writing and can’t be casually read by others.

Learning Shorthand Today

If shorthand interests you, free resources exist for most major systems. Gregg shorthand manuals from the 1960s and 1970s are available in libraries and online. Several websites offer structured lessons in Teeline for aspiring journalists. Machine shorthand (stenotype) requires purchasing or renting a machine ($100-500 for a student model) and significant practice time.

The learning curve is real but manageable. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes daily for several months before reaching useful speeds. The process resembles learning a musical instrument — your hands need to develop muscle memory, which only comes through repetition.

Whether shorthand has a future beyond its current niches is debatable. Voice recognition technology keeps improving. But for anyone interested in the history of information technology, in the craft of fast writing, or simply in having a useful skill that almost nobody else possesses — shorthand is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can shorthand writers write?

Proficient shorthand writers typically reach 80-120 words per minute. Expert court reporters using machine shorthand achieve 200-300+ words per minute. For comparison, average speech is about 130-150 words per minute, and average handwriting is only about 20-30 words per minute. The fastest verified pen shorthand speeds exceed 250 words per minute.

Is shorthand still useful today?

For specific professions, absolutely. Court reporters use machine shorthand daily. Journalists sometimes use it for interviews. Some executives and professionals prefer it for meeting notes. As a general skill, it's less common than before audio recording, but its advocates argue that the active listening required to take shorthand notes improves comprehension and retention far more than passive recording.

How long does it take to learn shorthand?

Basic competency — writing common words and phrases at moderate speed — takes about 3-6 months of regular practice. Reaching 80+ words per minute typically takes 6-12 months. Professional-level speeds of 120+ words per minute require 1-2 years of dedicated practice. Like playing piano, the basics come quickly but mastery takes sustained effort.

Further Reading

• Shorthand History - British Library
• National Court Reporters Association
• Gregg Shorthand Resources