Gregg Speed Studies/Speed Study 1

by John Robert Gregg

Layout 2

SPEED STUDY I
FIRST LESSON

Speed and accuracy in shorthand writing begin with the very first lesson. They depend almost wholly upon two things: first, the clearness of the mental picture of each form the student has in mind; and, second, upon his ability to execute correctly and with rapidity the movements which are necessary to reproduce the picture. A good shorthand style depends eventually, not upon what the writer has in mind, but upon what he can put on paper. It means clear vision plus mastery of movement.

An analysis of Gregg Shorthand shows that there are certain elementary combinations which are repeated, with slight variations, over and over again—even in the most advanced writing. A mastery of these movements, it is obvious, will therefore give the writer a firm foundation upon which to build his structure of speed and accuracy.

In studying the drills, aim first at securing a clear mental picture of the form to be executed; analyze carefully the movement necessary to make it rapidly, and then repeat the movement until facility is acquired. At the beginning a careful comparison of the notes written with the correct forms in the text is essential. The comparison should be carried on until the habit of correct movement has been established. The characters are to be written, not drawn. Two important features to be looked after constantly are: first, length of consonant strokes; and, second, sizes of circles and hook vowels.

Consonants.—In practicing the following drill, make a positive distinction in the length of strokes:

Drill 1

Consonant Combinations.—The joining of curves, and especially unequal curves is a point that needs emphasis.

Drill 2

	Equal Curves		Unequal Curves
kr	?	kl	?
gl	?	rg	?
rk	?	gr	?
lg	?	lk	?

Circle Vowels.—In writing the circle vowels, sizes must be carefully distinguished. It is important to note that circles may be written in either direction—from right to left or the reverse—depending upon the nature of the joining. Practice writing in both directions.

Circle Vowels Joined to Curves.—In joining circle vowels to curves no part of the circle should be retraced. Observe carefully the movement used in starting and finishing the circle as indicated by the dotted arrow

Right way: ?

By retracing the circle, as shown in the following illustration, much time will be wasted:

Wrong way: ?

Practice the joining of both large and small circles at the beginning and end of each consonant. Form the habit of completely closing the circle.

Inside Curves.—There should be no space between the circle and the consonant.

Drill 4

Outside Angles.—In joinings of the following type the circle cuts the line of writing:

Drill 5

Circles Joined to Straight Strokes.—In joining the circle to straight strokes, start or finish the circle as shown by the dotted lines in the following illustration:

Right way: ?

Wrong way: ?

In the following drill join the circle with the forward movement:

Drill 6

Between Reverse Curves.—When a circle occurs between reverse curves, the circle should join snugly, thus:

Right way: ??

It will be noted that if the circle were erased the curves would still retain their correct formation. If the joining has not been skillfully executed the outlines will have this appearance:

Wrong way: ? ?

Drill 7

Key: gale, lag, kale, lake, rig, gear, kill, gill, click, rag, leak, drag, wreck, trigger, caret, trick, league, racket, rake.