'Is Absolutely Vital For Journalists.'
Many people associate shorthand with the secretarial profession, but it is a tool which is also vital for journalists.
Most reporters take Teeline shorthand courses, which is the version tested by The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
The target for those entering the profession is to achieve 100 words per minute (wpm), but the NCTJ offers examinations in speeds from 60 to 120 wpm.
Louise Hall, a reporter at the Wakefield Express, achieved 110 wpm shorthand through a postgraduate course in journalism and says the skill is absolutely vital for her to be able to do her day-to-day job.
"I couldn't manage without my shorthand," she insists.
"I use it every day and it has helped me to get some great stories."
"It also looks great on your CV as most local newspapers insist candidates for trainee reporter jobs have NCTJ preliminary qualifications, including shorthand," Ms Hall adds.
Multiple Benefits.
There are various benefits to possessing this skill for journalists.
First of all, it is convenient. It is impossible to record someone speaking at their natural pace using longhand.
Transcribing notes from shorthand is also a lot quicker than doing so from a recording.
Furthermore, there is always the possibility that something could go wrong with the technology, such as it not recording or some of the words being muffled or undecipherable, which could jeopardise the quality or accuracy of the story.
Precision is vital for reporters if they are to avoid getting in trouble with the law, interviewees or readers.
Shorthand allows a reporter to take an accurate note of what someone has said and, more importantly, will stand up in a court of law if disputes arise later over quotes used.
The importance of shorthand in this respect was highlighted following the Hutton report into the death of Dr David Kelly.
Former BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan interviewed Dr Kelly about the decision to go to war in Iraq, but did not take a shorthand note of what he said, instead programming his own comments on the conversation into a personal organiser.
This became a problem when he was not able to defend his claims that the government used political spin to convince MPs of the case for war with hard evidence.
Sensitivity.
Court reporting is a big part of a journalist's job and shorthand is an absolute essential as recording equipment is not allowed inside the courtroom.
Anyone found with tape recorders and the like is in danger of being prosecuted for contempt of court.
Ms Hall says that shorthand is also particularly important when trying to secure an interview in a sensitive situation.
She recently spoke to the family of a child who had died after drinking too much alcohol.
"It's vital in these circumstances that you take reliable notes. The family is obviously very distressed and the last thing you want to be doing is thrusting a tape recorder in their face."
"Writing shorthand is a lot more unobtrusive - you can be a lot more discreet with a notepad and pen and this helps when speaking to people who have gone through a tragedy like losing a child."
"Also, you don't want to have to go back later and ask them more information if you've missed something because your shorthand isn't good enough or you can't read it back. It can be difficult enough trying to speak to them in the first place."
"It is also really important to get everything correct in the story to avoid upsetting the family. You can imagine that it is very distressing for people to see inaccurate details about their lost loved ones published in the newspaper."
Practice Makes Perfect.
Ms Hall advises anyone looking to get into a career in journalism to take a Teeline shorthand course.
When it comes to learning this skill, the key is to stick with it and practice, she says.
"I used to go through shorthand exercises every night and was able to get up to 110 words per minute in around six months.
"By the time I took the exam I was confident in my skills because I had practiced so much and I'd been properly trained.
"If you don't keep up to it then you're in danger of losing your speed although Pitman Training offers refresher courses," she advises.
