No matter who you work, fast typing skills will always come in handy. Build your typing speed to improve your productivity. You can practice on your own or take courses, but you need to practice every day to be successful.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: How to Master Basic Skills
Step 1. Choose a comfortable keyboard
They come in a variety of shapes, including ergonomic designs for more comfortable work. If you are typing slowly enough on your current keyboard, try ergonomics for the most comfortable option.
- Consider the size of the keyboard. The larger the keys, the easier it is to type. Perhaps you should take a closer look at such models in which frequently used keys like letters and a number block are larger than others.
- A keyboard with concave keys that follow the shape of your fingers is a good choice for people who want to reduce errors at high typing speeds.
- It is best to choose a model with a tangible tactile response of the keys, so that you can clearly distinguish each press. Plus, with enough keystroke stiffness, you can avoid accidental touches, so you can type faster.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard
Typically, the default layout is used, but sometimes differences and additional functions are possible. Read the instruction manual or the keyboard user manual to understand the functions and hotkeys. Then try to visualize the keyboard layout so that you can mentally refer to it as you type.
Often keyboards are equipped with hotkeys for quick access to common commands or keyboard shortcuts. These features dramatically increase your printing speed
Step 3. Position your fingers correctly
The most important step to help you increase your typing speed is placing your fingers correctly. Your left index finger should be above the “A” key, while your right index finger should be above the “O” key. These keys usually have a small bump that you can feel without looking at the keyboard. The other three fingers of the left hand are located above the "F", "S" and "B" keys, and the fingers of the right hand are located above the "L", "D" and "Zh" keys. Thumbs are above the space.
- The row of keys “F”, “S”, “B”, “A”, “O”, “L”, “D” and “G” is considered to be the initial one, since the fingers are always above these keys before and after typing. …
- The fingers above the keys should be slightly bent but relaxed.
- The keyboard should be centered in front of you.
Step 4. Use the correct fingers for the other keys
While typing, the rest of the keys should be pressed from the starting position. Certain fingers will be attached to their keys for maximum efficiency. In most cases, the fingers of the original position press keys from the row above or below.
- In addition to the "F" key, the little finger of the left hand presses the keys "1", "2", "Y" and "I".
- In addition to the "Y" key, the ring finger of the left hand presses the "3", "C" and "H" keys.
- In addition to the "B" key, the middle finger of the left hand presses the keys "4", "Y" and "C".
- In addition to the “A” key, the index finger of the left hand presses the keys “5”, “6”, “K”, “E”, “P”, “M”, “I”.
- In addition to the "O" key, the index finger of the right hand presses the keys "7", "H", "G", "P", "T" and "b".
- In addition to the "L" key, the middle finger of the right hand presses the keys "8", "W" and "B".
- In addition to the "D" key, the ring finger of the right hand presses the keys "9", "Щ" and "U".
- In addition to the "Ж" key, the little finger of the right hand presses the "0", "-", "=", "З", "X", "b", "E" and "." Keys.
- Press the “Shift” key with the little finger of the opposite hand relative to the finger with which you are pressing the other key.
- Press the space bar with whatever thumb you feel comfortable with.
Step 5. Print regularly
As with other skills, the only way to dramatically increase your typing speed is through regular practice. The more you type, the better you will memorize the keyboard layout and correct finger positions. Also, typing common keyboard shortcuts develops muscle memory, which will help you type faster and more accurately.
- One of the best practice is to type the same passages over and over. So, on the Internet, you can find many excerpts that will help increase accuracy and speed.
- When practicing your skills, focus on accuracy first. Type every word correctly with spaces and punctuation. When accuracy appears, start working on speed.
- For practice, it is not necessary to print only test passages. Email friends and family and post on forums to hone your typing skills.
Step 6. Get regular rest
The amount of practice affects your typing speed, but don't forget to take breaks as well. If you get too carried away, you run the risk of exhaustion or pain (carpal tunnel syndrome). If you feel discomfort in your hands or wrists, then it's time to take some rest.
Schedule your typing practice with a clear amount of time each day so you don't overwork. Be sure to include breaks in your schedule. For example, you can practice for 30 minutes a day, with breaks every 10 minutes
Method 2 of 3: How to Increase Speed
Step 1. Look at the screen
An innate instinct can make you stare at the keyboard while typing. When looking at the keys, the typing speed slows down and increases the risk of typos. Try to look at the screen to type blindly. Errors may increase slightly at first, but soon you will memorize the layout and position of the keys, which will increase your typing speed.
- When learning to touch-type, try covering your hands with a napkin, piece of paper, or cardboard so that you can't see the keys even if you accidentally glance at them.
- It is advisable to look at the screen as much as possible, but it is okay to occasionally glance at the keys to confirm the mental image of the keyboard layout.
Step 2. Online tests to check the print speed
If you want to know your typing performance, you can evaluate your typing skills using online tests. Most often, you will be required to type a specific piece of text, and then the system will evaluate the number of words per minute and the accuracy of the typing. Such programs allow you to keep track of your progress if you are trying to increase your typing speed.
Such services include Sense-Lang.org Skoropisanie.ru and Solo. Nabiraem.ru
Step 3. Games and programs for blind printing
Try to type blindly so that you can type very quickly. There are special programs that help develop this skill. They usually offer useful exercises and fun games that make the process fun and less monotonous.
- In addition to paid programs, you can find free alternatives like Stamina, AK, Virtuoso and Rapid Typing Tutor.
- If you already have basic touch typing skills, use the free games to speed up your typing. Searching the internet allows you to find many options to choose from. Playing is always more fun than typing the same passages of text, so it will be easier for you to practice regularly.
Step 4. Sign up for courses
If you have tried to learn how to quickly type text yourself, but the result does not suit you, sign up for a course. The instructor will monitor your finger alignment and your posture, which affect speed and accuracy. Find out about the courses available at your school or university. If you have already completed your studies, then consider other options nearby.
If there are no typing courses nearby, online courses will help you. Of course, the instructor will not be able to attend in person, but the directions will help increase your typing speed
Method 3 of 3: How to Improve Posture and Posture
Step 1. Back support
Choose a chair with a backrest for printing. A slightly curved back is best, which allows the spine to bend naturally. It is also important that there is a special pillow in the lower part of the back of the chair, which will provide additional support for the lower back.
- You can lean back slightly to minimize the strain on your back, but you should be aware that when typing in this position, the shoulders and neck strain. Move the chair closer to the table to relieve tension.
- If the chair does not have built-in lumbar support, place a small pillow between the back and the back of the chair.
Step 2. Relax your neck and shoulders
Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed as you type. In most cases, it is enough to lean back in the chair. With the help of support, they will stay straight without undue stress.
If you are not sure if your shoulders are relaxed, take a slow breath in and out. The position in which the shoulders naturally fall after exhalation is usually relaxed
Step 3. The elbows should be on the sides of the torso
Sit in a comfortable position and make sure your elbows are on the sides of your torso. Use a chair with adjustable armrests to position your elbows comfortably.
You don't have to put your hands on the armrests. Just make sure your elbows are close to your torso even without additional support
Step 4. Feet should be pressed to the floor
Once in the chair, try sitting up straight with your feet flat on the floor to support your lower body. Crossing or tucking your legs can make it harder to maintain correct posture. Adjust the height of the chair so your feet reach the floor.
If the chair does not adjust in height, buy an ergonomic footrest to keep your feet in a horizontal position
Step 5. Don't put your hands and arms on the table
When typing, you can work faster and more accurately by keeping your hands and arms away from your desk or other keyboard surface. They should be raised, but do not bend the joints, otherwise you will feel uncomfortable. Keep your wrists in a neutral position. The thumb should remain in line with the forearm, and the wrist should be pulled back slightly to be level with the keyboard.
- Some keyboards and keyboard shelves come with a wrist pad, but they won't help you when you type. The lining will only come in handy during short breaks. If you need to rest your hand on the lining, it is best to use your palms instead of your wrists.
- If you can adjust the chair armrests, adjust them so that your forearms are parallel to the floor and your wrists are in a neutral position.
Step 6. The keyboard must be at the correct height
For maximum typing efficiency, the keyboard should be slightly above the knees, but almost always the keyboard is positioned higher. If the keyboard is slightly above your knees, you can lower your arms and keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
- You can buy an adjustable keyboard and mouse shelf that attaches to a desk or other work surface. It allows you to position the keyboard at the most comfortable height.
- If you do not have a keyboard shelf, adjust the height of the chair for a comfortable seating position.