How to Improve Typing Speed?

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Article Submitted by: Nancy Higgins

Friday, 27 January 2012

If you thought that the typing lessons in school were a waste of time, think again. Typing is, in fact, one of the most basic career skills that you will require as long as you hold a job. Irrespective of the profession you are in, chances are that you will be typing out a whole lot in the form of emails, documentations, presentations, IM communication, and what not throughout your career.

And if you are found wanting in this department - well don't worry, you won't lose your job over it, but it can be the source of major embarrassment to you if your colleagues are accomplished typists while you are a closeted typing bimbo.

And heaven forbid if you were asked to take down minutes of a meeting. Your well-kept secret could be out in a matter of minutes (pun unintended).

The problem of being a "finger" typist becomes even graver if it is one of the key requirements of your job and the money you earn is contingent on the number of words per minute (wpm) you can churn out. There are just two options before you: quit your job or improve typing speed.

Improve Typing Speed

The first rule of learning how to type fast is to know what an acceptable wpm output is. In most cases, being able to type 40 to 60 wpm is considered an appropriate typing speed. So, that should be your first target.

If you have miles to go before you reach this level of speed, then start by practicing, practicing, and then practicing more. It may sound boring to sit down in front of your computer and start typing like a maniac, so find ways and means of making the entire exercise fun.

Type out your favorite poem or prose, write a letter to a friend you've lost touch with (whether you end up emailing it to them or not is your decision), let off some steam by typing out exactly what you think of your grouch of a boss or the office troll who called you fat (we seriously advise you against doing this on your office computer) - anything that wants you to have a go at the keyboard.

Accuracy is Important Too

While you are practicing your typing skills, make sure you understand that being fast would be useless unless you are also accurate. So, focus your energies on typing fast and typing right!

Another important thing to remember is to have the right posture while typing. Crouching over your computer can be uncomfortable and can actually hamper how fast you type. The best posture is to sit up with your back straight and resting against a comfortable chair. Take a cushion if it helps.

A mistake that many rookie (and some not so rookie) typists make is look at the keyboard while typing. That's a complete no-no. If you want to learn to type in a professional and sophisticated manner, resist the urge to look at your computer while typing. Also, place your fingers on the keyboard like they are supposed to be positioned - on the home row keys.

Online Help to Improve Typing Speed

Just like it is for everything else in life, the Internet is also a Godsend for those looking to improve their typing speed. There are tons and tons of free online typing tutorials that you can use to learn basic to advanced typing skills.

Websites like Learntotype.com, Rapidtyping.com, Typingweb.com, etc. contain free typing lessons that you can take help from to improve your typing speed. You can also practice your skills by playing typing games online and taking a free typing test.

Taking a wpm test will help you understand exactly how much distance you have covered as far as typing speed is concerned. Keep taking typing tests until you hit your intended milestone and then watch your fingers work like magic on the computer!



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