The Shorthand Place
Note Taking
Part 1: Shortcuts in note-taking
1. Use the T-Script Quick Forms.
The vowel indicators and the core letters, D, T and N, are fast ways to write the most frequently occurring words. The Quick Forms provide shortcut versions for writing around half of all the words you hear.
after again are am, me, my away before came
c x f fm g e
can, come except for, if from go, good here
kind like, will name off, often only put
about above all always away who, whom without
today yesterday tomorrow Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms.
2. Use the T-Script primary Prefixes and Suffixes abbreviations.
Often these can be written as slightly smaller letters than normal to indicate this particular function. (see Speed Writing 8.1)
3. Identify from your textbooks significant and frequently occurring words (names) and create your own abbreviations; be highly selective!
Sometimes a single letter may suffice. Include a specific marker to identify it as a special abbreviation, e.g. a short upward slash. This functions like an abbreviation point in ordinary longhand writing. These will be your personal abbreviations within a particular subject vocabulary.
History Government G/ Parliament P/ Henry VIII H8/ Queen Victoria QV/
Geography England E/ Scotland Sc/ Wales W/
Economics Bank of England BE/ Stock Exchange SE/
4. Frequently occurring phrases may be shortened to the first letter of each word. An abbreviation marker can be added.
Point of sale pos/ Where are you? ?ru Over my dead body! omdb/
5. Use common usage abbreviation markers.
Vowel indicators may be used where appropriate.
eg. 'for example' cf 'compare' esp 'especially'
Relationships can be indicated using standard symbols; = → ← ↓
> < =
therefore because more than less than the same as
cause and effect (or, act and consequences / results)
Arrow lines, both straight and curved, can be powerful 'shorthand' devices in 'spider' diagrams (see Classroom note-taking, Branching diagrams).
? Questions to follow up, ?? a doubtful point
(In your developed notes these will indicate 'for action', so mark in red)
Note: The standard T-Script speed writing forms may be used as needed.
! Surprise or 'May need checking', so add ?
Curved and square brackets can be used to distinguish between
'fact' or 'certain' data ( ... ), and
'uncertain' data or 'a fact not established' [ ... ]
This device can be used particularly for dates.
6. Create a visual / diagram where appropriate, and label clearly.
(See Classroom note-taking, Branching diagrams)
T-Script speed writing is a valuable tool to record your notes in class. The minimal set of rules enables you to master the method easily and quickly. The vowel indicators allow you to draw and label diagrams and record names simply and precisely.