This article is related to the book Speed Writing - Modern Shorthand. 

To buy the paper version please visit Amazon.

If you would like to buy the ebook as a PDF ($6.99) please use this link.

How was BakerWrite system of speed writing created?

When I was asked to teach speed writing (but not shorthand), I investigated various systems. All of those I researched seemed to have the same basics, which I also use; silent letters, omitting vowels, phonetic options, etc..
However, it was the more advanced issues of prefixes and suffixes which seemed to me to be too complex.
I thought about the two shorthand systems with which I am
familiar – Pitman and Teeline – and realised that I could use some of the techniques they employ, but still using letters. That is where the idea came from for the subscript and superscript.
I also thought that many people may feel restricted by rigid systems and so wanted to ensure that learners could feel they were able to adapt the method to suit their preferences. I offer guidelines rather than principles, suggestions rather than rules. 

I've now taught the system to thousands of people over the last 20 years and over 50 000 people have used the system all over the world.  I've worked in London, Liverpool, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore, Washington DC, Shanghai, Melbourne, Sydney and Johannesburg helping people to master my system and you can see a few of their comments below. 

The course became very popular and I was often asked if there was a book with the basics of the system – so here it is!  

Here are just a few of the lovely comments I've had about the course over the years.

“This was the best course I have ever attended.”
“I learnt a lot and will be able to put it into practice straightaway.”
“The principles are very easy to follow, and I am already using it to take notes.“
“BakerWrite is the easiest shorthand system I have come across. Having studied all the major shorthand systems and even other speed writing courses,
 I find BakerWrite a sheer delight.”
“Your system is so easy to learn and use.”    Dawn, London
“I like the way the book is easy to carry around and it’s so simple to understand.”     Sue, Manchester
“It was an excellent course; clear, concise and really enjoyable and I would recommend it to others."
This course could not be improved, it was brill!” University of Salford
“The speed writing trainer was informative, relaxed and helpful. Excellent. She was very helpful, enthusiastic and approachable. She made the topic more fun and less  
 scary. All the examples really helped and brought it to life.” The Jockey Club
“The tutor was excellent – a thoroughly enjoyable day.”  The Jockey Club
“I will recommend this course to everyone who takes notes.”
“Excellent course – lots learned.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course.”
“My expectations were exceeded with this course.”
“Heather you are very helpful and supportive –  excellent course.”
“Tutor was very helpful and able to answer all questions.  It was good having the person who invented the system to do the course.”
“Heather was patient and was more than able to answer our questions.”
“The course is presented in an easy to understand way and at a good pace.”
“I like the straightforward way of explaining the subject matter with the practical examples.”
“I will use this system all the time.”
“Used daily this system could have a major impact.”
“The training was exceptionally well delivered. Heather was extremely helpful, patient and good humoured, even when being tested by some of the group!!”
“Hi Heather, I’m just going through the speed writing skills course book, it’s amazing!”
“Highly recommended - I’m now a speedwriting ninja!”
“I wished I’d had this years ago when I learned shorthand, so much more efficient. thank you for sharing this method.”

By Heather Baker 

This article is related to the book Speed Writing - Modern Shorthand. 

To buy the paper version please visit Amazon.

If you would like to buy the ebook as a PDF ($6.99) please use this link.