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 2, 8, and 14
Theory Practice
The question of the volume of our business in your area has concerned us very much recently because of the substantial quantity of equipment that we have sent to you. We had hoped that you would be able to exceed your former volume of business by the use of this new equipment.
It is our feeling at this time that if some improvement is not made quickly in your volume of sales, we shall have to make substantial changes in the methods of distribution. Meanwhile, please keep us informed of any new developments.
* * * * *
We are now planning a publicity campaign to sell several new investments, and we shall need your assistance.
Our investment manager is agreeable to the idea of your rendering this assistance, provided you recognize that he remains responsible for the sale of the stocks. I am sure, however, that any reasonable suggestion for handling the problem will be welcome to our manager.
* * * * *
We should like to have the opportunity of becoming the agent to handle your financial obligations. Our charge for such services is small and we have had favorable approval of our methods from other companies who have also had outstanding financial obligations.
If you will favor us with your business, we shall endeavor to handle your obligations in a manner that will both be helpful and efficient. We would, of course, consult you about any special financial matters but it would be our policy to pay all deferred accounts as soon as possible so as to be able to take advantage of further credit privileges.
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.