Journey to Merit Speeds

[Dorothy Wilcox]

Hi~ I'm working on my 225s and practicing with 240+ and at times feel like my brain is intensely concentrating to where it'll burst (= Will these high speeds always feel so tense? Does the focus and speed eventually come to where you can sit relatively relaxed and write this fast?

[Jill S. Driscoll]

I don't think I can answer this completely, but I will say that definitely, no, 240 won't always seem so tense. If you are comfortable with the subject matter, if the speakers have a good cadence, if you can hear everything clearly with no strain, you will find that 240 can be a little bit of all right. However, change just one of those factors, and hello, TENSE! And that is probably true at 180, too. Difficult material is difficult, as are difficult speakers and difficult acoustics!!

[Dorothy Wilcox]

Thanks, Jill. That is reassurring.
How do you get past the discomfort to do the work on building up this kind of speed?
I know I have days where I feel like I'm in a relationship with my machine..I love it, then we fight, I feel hurt and disappointed, but then it makes me feel good and we make up and I want to spend time with it (= I try not to skip a day, but I do get tired and then procrastinate. Any hints on sticking in there and managing my energy?
Stenocerely,
Dorothy

[Jill S. Driscoll]

LOL! You are funny! And sound so perfect for CR'g. Well, I have to admit it has been awhile since I really practiced. I mean, I write all the time, and when I'm not writing I am often figuring out ways to write . . . so can you say loser dedicated?

I guess you might try the same 240 over and over and see how you do as the material becomes familiar to you. At least your hands will be getting used to moving at that speed. I am hoping someone with real successful practice regimen will pop in here!

But definitely stay with it! We need people like you!

Stenocerely!!

[Dorothy Wilcox]

That's Sweet, Jill!!

I do have a favorite 240 JC that I have gotten happy with. I'd like to get a variable speed player and slow it down in spots and then take it up to 260 and 280. I'm starting to get some 240 and actually hear the 260 (=. But the RMR exam is at 260 QA. Wow, that's cookin', plus you want to have accuracy. I'm believing I can do it because others have.

Your vote of confidence just made my day!!
It's great to chat with real live reporter's in between practicing. I'm glad there are CR's like you!
Dorothy

[Tami]

Dorothy,

Sounds like you're a perfect candidate for the Magnum Steno Club at magnumsteno.com. It's only $29.95 a month, and it's ten-minute videos that will warm you up so the rest of the day will feel like a cakewalk.

Try it out for a day or two free. I actually think it's just best to dive in on a month.

Mark has instructional videos, Mark's Speedbuilding 1, 2, 3, and now 4. You need to listen to those before you dive in on the dictation, which I guarantee will hurt your brain, BUT you'll be seeing an increase in your speed soon thereafter.

Oh, and don't ever slow down your speed player. :)

Good luck!!

[Dorothy Wilcox]

Yes, good advice. I have been enjoying being a Magnum Steno Club Member. It's great!

[Tami]

Dorothy,

Are you a "Super Reporter"?

Gotta love it!

How long have you been doing the Club?

[Dorothy Wilcox]

I've been doing it for one month. And I don't know, what's a "super reporter?"

[Tami]

If you're doing the Club, You Are!!

[Tami]

Oh, and, Jill Honey, I am sooooo happy you're here!! What a treat for the whole group you are!!

[Jill S. Driscoll]

Yay! Thanks, Tamster! I love ya!!!! I am thrilled you started this group!

[Dorothy Wilcox]

Anyone else working on Merit speeds for the RMR? What is your daily practice routine?