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SPEED STUDY XII
TWELFTH LESSON

Rounding Angles.—The numerous examples of angle joinings illustrated in the Twelfth Lesson of the Manual furnish an opportune time to introduce a principle in writing that has a vital influence on speed—the rounding of angles. The predominance of curves is fundamental in the system. It is this feature that gives to the writing its fluent and graceful appearance and adds tremendously to its speed possibilities. But angles do occur of necessity. In addition to furnishing a balancing point in the outline, they contribute greatly to the legibility of forms, if rightly handled. An angle, however, does not necessarily mean an abrupt stop, but, rather, a change in direction. Early in his practice the writer should form the habit of getting around the corners rapidly. A study of a page of notes of an expert writer will show that this idea has been developed to a remarkable degree. The Gregg Writer in a recent number, when commenting on the notes of a stenographer who complained that he found it "impossible to get speed," said:

"The notes showed wonderful exactness of form, but the angles were so positive that it was evident that an absolute pause had taken place after each of them. Precision is a good thing, especially when learning the principles, but it can be carried too far in the case of rapid note-taking and thus prove a detriment to the acquirement of high speed. When the writer of shorthand has attained sufficient command over his hand to make the outlines rapidly and yet retain proportion of form, he should aim to

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