Do I need Teeline shorthand to become a journalist?

In a world where everyone with a smart phone thinks they’re a journalist, speed is everything – and it’s three times quicker to type out Teeline shorthand notes than to listen back to audio recordings.

It’s also illegal to make audio or video recordings of most proceedings in UK courts.

That’s why shorthand is an essential tool for all journalists – and why it is a compulsory part of our BA (Hons) Journalism degree.

But don’t just take our word for it.

When talking about the skills needed in journalism, Andrew Marr said: “You need some intelligence, more stamina and excellent shorthand.”

When asked the same question, Piers Morgan said: “Work hard and do your shorthand.”

And former Guardian readers’ editor Chris Elliot said: “Most mainstream employers insist on 100wpm as it makes students more able to do the job at the pace required and is a means of sifting through the large number of applicants.

“It also shows that students are serious about journalism and committed to being the best.”

We don’t expect you to learn shorthand before you start the course, and it is probably a good thing if you don’t – we like a nice blank canvas to work with.

You’ll be taught Teeline shorthand which is the most accessible and popular form of shorthand practised by journalists in this day and age.

The NCTJ shorthand exam is an exam like no other. Just four minutes lies between you and 100wpm.

But don’t worry, our tutors have decades of experience to ensure you achieve the best possible speeds – with some ground-breaking results.

11 weeks and 8 notebooks later, I passed my 100wpm shorthand 📝 #nerd #journo #youretoast #sweetie #areyouonstrikecostas #thesedays #vandalismintowncentre

A post shared by Arielle Naomi (@arielletchiprout) on Nov 18, 2016 at 3:03pm PST

We asked our shorthand nerds at The School of Journalism HQ to come up with some of their top tips for when you start your Teeline shorthand love affair.

1. Make your own shortcuts

You’re the only one who needs to be able to read your shorthand so make it work for you.

2. Nail the theory

There’s no point obsessing over speed until you’re dreaming about the ‘R’ principle.

3. Shorthand everything

Shopping lists. Birthday cards. The 10 o’clock news. Everything.

4. Imagine the outlines in your head

You’ll never be able to listen to the radio the same way again after a couple of weeks of shorthand lessons.

5. Make Teeline shorthand your party trick

Because opening a bottle of beer with your teeth is so 2016.