Clickable dictation at various speeds is available at the bottom of this page. The transcript of the dictation appears here as well.
Like most systems, Pitman came out with a simplified system in the 1970s to compete with the alphabetics. Shorterhand was the name of the new system and it boasted sufficient speed for office work combined with ease of learning and less memory load. I've never heard of anyone who writes Shorterhand so I can't really comment on the system itself. Regardless, this month, we start with some of the theory lessons presented in the Shorterhand review book which was intended to be used after learning theory. The vocabulary is well-suited to study and review. For those who write Shorterhand, you'll probably be able to determine which theory rules are the basis of each lesson.
Shorterhand Skills for the Future, Pitman Publishing Corporation, 1974, p 19, 25, and 31
Theory Practice
Since our recent interview with you, it has occurred to us that an expansion of your delivery facilities might result in an increase in patronage by many customers who wish to make purchases by telephone. Furthermore, according to your experience in this town, the people would welcome a circular from you each month in which you specify the particular items that you have to offer, together with pictures of each of the items.
* * * * *
The relations that we have maintained with our employees have unfortunately taken a turn for the worse because of their unwillingness to work extra hours. I am convinced that we must experiment with the plan to have the store open in the evening at least two or three days a week until nine.
We have known for a long time that we have been losing patronage steadily because many of our customers like to do their shopping in the evening. If we cannot obtain the cooperation of our employees, it may mean that the entire experiment will have to be dropped, and this will mean further loss of business for us.
* * * * *
Our association is now conducting a drive to encourage more business firms to come to this city. We believe that business firms will find many advantages in our city, including a variety of means of transportation as well as an extensive and highly skilled supply of labor. Of course, the best proof of the effectiveness of doing business in this city can be obtained from a discussion with people now doing business here.
We are putting out some attractive advance announcements encouraging business men from other cities to come down and see what we have to offer. We hope that we can count on you to join our drive.
For more information on shorthand speed building, click here.
Instructions for Self-Dictation Practice:
Copy and paste the above article into a word-processing document, using double or triple spacing and 12- or 14-pitch type.
As always, be sure to check your shorthand dictionary for correct outlines before "drilling"!
Dictation Practice:
Note that the material was counted and recorded for dictation at 100; all other speeds were copied from the 100 take and electronically adjusted and may therefore sound unusual.
60 wpm 80 wpm 100 wpm 120 wpm 140 wpm
The dictation material above is copyrighted, all rights reserved.