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Assignment # 2: 1. What Is Machine Shorthand?

Machine shorthand is a specialized keyboard used by stenographers for shorthand. Ward Stone Ireland is considered the father of the modern shorthand machine. Stenography involves writing shorthand notes and transcribing them. Shorthand allows for quick note taking of spoken information and capturing all details. While shorthand skills take time to learn, the ability to write quickly is useful for careers like journalism. Shorthand remains relevant today for tasks like minute taking in meetings and recording instructions.

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2K views5 pages

Assignment # 2: 1. What Is Machine Shorthand?

Machine shorthand is a specialized keyboard used by stenographers for shorthand. Ward Stone Ireland is considered the father of the modern shorthand machine. Stenography involves writing shorthand notes and transcribing them. Shorthand allows for quick note taking of spoken information and capturing all details. While shorthand skills take time to learn, the ability to write quickly is useful for careers like journalism. Shorthand remains relevant today for tasks like minute taking in meetings and recording instructions.

Uploaded by

Je Ann Genido
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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September 24, 2020

ASSIGNMENT # 2

1. What is Machine Shorthand?

Machine Shorthand is a specialized chorded keyboard or typewriter used


by stenographers for shorthand use. The lightweight and portable shorthand machine has
only 22 keys. Not all the letters of the alphabet are represented on the keyboard and the
missing letters are recorded by pressing a combination of keys. The keyboard requires
only a light touch, is completely silent, and is capable of producing shorthand well in
excess of 250 words a minute. Words are reproduced as shorthand notes by breaking
them into syllables and these are represented by a combinations of letters. The use of
abbreviations and phrases increases writing speed.

2. What is the use of Machine Shorthand?

Machine Shorthand is used in offices to some extent, but they are principally
employed for conference and court reporting. Both machines have keyboards of 22
keys. Because the operator uses all fingers and both thumbs, any number of keys can
be struck simultaneously. The machines print roman letters on a strip of paper that folds
automatically into the back of the machine.

3. Who is the father of Machine Shorthand?

Ward Stone Ireland, an American inventor, is considered to be the ‘father’ of the


modern shorthand machine.

4. Definition of Stenography?

Stenography is the art or process of writing in shorthand. Shorthand is written


from dictation or oral discourse. It is the making of shorthand notes and subsequent
transcription of them.

5. Who invented Stenography?

Stenography dates back to the Parthenon and the mid-4th Century BC, and has
been in use worldwide for hundreds of years. In 1877, Miles Bartholemew invented the
first machine for writing shorthand, and in 1879 patented it.

6. What are the benefits of learning Shorthand?


Learning shorthand is a requirement for stenography, and knowing shorthand is
useful in many circumstances and jobs. Shorthand can benefit those in the journalism
industry because reporters need to write fast yet still take precise notes. Shorthand is
still used today when stenography machines are not available.

7. What are the Advantages of Shorthand?

Advantages of Shorthand
Quick notes When you know shorthand writing, even if the speaker speaks fast and
you’ll find it impossible to jot down what he is talking about using the usual way of
writing, you will never miss a thing the speaker says because you now have the ability to
write quick notes and the ability to write fast as you listen.
All information jotted down Sometimes when we listen to seminars and lectures, we
tend to miss some bits of information because it takes us a lot of time writing, but
because of the quick way of writing using shorthand, all information you want to jot down
can be jotted down.

8. What are the Disadvantages of Shorthand?

Disadvantages of Shorthand
Hard to learn Shorthand writing is indeed very hard to learn and for a first timer, it would
really take your time before you can master writing in shorthand and you might even lose
your patience.
Confusing Sometimes, you will experience confusion with regards to the symbols or
characters used so this requires you to familiarize and master the characters so that
when the time comes you really need to write fast or translate a shorthand document to
English, it would be easier.
Slower note-writing One of the advantages of shorthand writing is quicker notes,
however, this is only for those who have managed to master or improve their shorthand
writing skills because if you have not mastered your skills yet, writing in shorthand would
turn out slower than when you write your usual way.

9. Is Shorthand still important in this digital world?

Yes. Some say it’s out dated and irrelevant, and with our increasing usage of
sophisticated technology it might seem hard to argue otherwise, but I bet if you ask any
journalist or reporter today how valuable shorthand is to them; they will more than likely
tell you how vital the skill is to be able to carry out their day-to-day job.

10. Role of Shorthand in today’s professional workplace


Shorthand is used for minute-taking. Minutes can be taken in longhand or using a
lap-top, but the ability of a secretary to keep up with what is being said, and take
accurate notes quickly, is often best done by using shorthand. Modern devices such as
audio-machines simply cannot record what is being said in a meeting, then make
meaningful notes out of what is recorded, by summarising what is important and what is
not important. 
Shorthand is used for recording instructions and to-dos from the boss. The only
way that so many facts, instructions and deliverables can be carried out is not by
entrusting them to memory, as things could be forgotten or misinterpreted, but by
recording them in shorthand.
Shorthand helps when taking down telephone messages. Taking down word for
word what someone else has said then passing it on to the boss saves the boss having
to be “present” to receive the message, but it also helps the secretary to know what is
happening in the business.
Shorthand helps the PA/secretary to “know” and learn. Today’s PAs need to be as
aware of the company’s strategy as their bosses do, and when they sit in a meeting, or
with their boss, and take notes using a paper, they will be surprised at what they “know”
and pick up – just by listening properly and making notes.
Shorthand combines the skills of active listening, summarising, recording and
making sense out of chaos.  The shorthand writer not only takes down notes, but they
also listen for sense and then apply logical and rational thought to what is being said.
They make sense of nonsense and ensure that information is communicated
appropriately, and with diplomacy. This can all start from a simple shorthand note that
the secretary then regurgitates into a report or an email on behalf of their boss.

11. What is the difference between Typist and Stenographer?

The responsibility of the typists is to copy the documents and set it in a formal
manner using typewriter or word processor. But the Stenographer use shorthand
techniques to document the verbal communications occurred in an official meeting and
prepare the documents according to that notes. Typists mostly concentrate on the
drafting of official letters and memos while stenographers focus on the preparation of
permanent documents.
Typists copies the original documents while stenographer prepares the
documents using short hand techniques.
Typists need only to pursue typewriting or computer course. But the
stenographers should pursue any course on shorthand and typing.

12. Court stenographer Skills and Specifications

o Good knowledge of operating stenography machine


o Excellent verbal and written communication skills
o Great interpersonal and listening skills
o Must be a hard working person.
o Must be well-organized

13. Sample of Steno Alphabet

14. Meaning of Shorthand

Shorthand, also called stenography, a system for rapid writing that uses symbols


or abbreviations for letters, words, or phrases. Among the most popular modern systems
are Pitman, Gregg, and Speedwriting.
Stenography, commonly known as shorthand, is a method of quick writing that
uses symbols in place of letters, words and phrases. It's used to make note taking easier
in classes, lectures and business meetings. It is still being used to take notes even with
the advent of personal recording devices.
15. What is the importance of Shorthand?

The importance of Shorthand is it allows accurate notes to be taken effortlessly


over a long period of time, and enables the minute-taking secretary to feel more
confident that they are getting everything down and not missing anything in their course
of taking minutes.

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