Learn How to Type Fast

Typing 25-30 wpm (words per minute) is such an embarrassment! I remember, when my dad first bought me a computer, all I used to do was keep sitting in front of my PC the entire day, wondering why aren't the keyboard keys fixed in alphabetical order? (Okay, that was too dumb of me!) It was obvious for me to not have been able to find an answer for the question, and start taking the 'things' as they are. However, with a little regularity and practice that I inculcated, today I am proud to say that not only can I type more than 160 wpm, I don't even have to look into the keyboard while typing (smug!). It's amazing, isn't it? So, if you want to learn how to type at a great speed, I'll share with you the approach I took in order to type faster than many others around me. Let's jet, set, go!

How Does One Break the World Record of Typing?

What is your average typing speed? How many words can you write per minute? The first 'key' is 'practice'. Here go the steps:

Step #1
Don't try to be a ninja in the first go! Better not start typing randomly without caring about what comes on the screen as you type. You'll end up making excessive use of the 'backspace' key unnecessarily. So, sit on the computer, and start analyzing each and every key on the keyboard. Learn the various computer keyboard symbols and devise your own shortcuts to quickly access them. Did you notice that alphabets F and J have a kind of 'dent' on them? I know you just looked up on your keyboard! (smirk!) So, the alphabets F and J have this special raise on them because they define the basic position of your typing, and are right at the center of the keyboard. It is because of these two alphabets that now you don't need to look at the keyboard all the while for typing, as you can feel where your hands are.

Step #2
The next step is to learn how to strike the keys. Making the perfect keystroke is a hard thing to do, and comes only with practice. Remember, the thumbs should always be used for hitting the space-bar. You can think of it yourself... how is it possible to strike all the keys with your thumbs? Hence, while the thumbs are 'booked' for your space-bar, use the index finger as much as you can for typing at ease. With regular typing, you will learn to incorporate other fingers in the typing job too. Remember, the more you use all your fingers, the easier it would be for you to type fast.

Step #3
Try keeping track of the way you type. Every single keystroke you make defines your style of typing. Try remembering how you hit a particular key, which fingers are used where, and what makes you the most comfortable while typing. Okay, I agree that it's hard to remember 101 keys when you have just 10 fingers to use. However, there are special typing exercises in specific typing lessons, where you are made to type a string of letters, all without looking even a single time with the keyboard. You can easily access these typing lessons online, and practice all you want.

Step #4
No, no, no! Come what may, do not look into the keyboard! If you keep looking at it while typing, you will never remember any alphabet. It's time to see through your fingers, mate! By efficiently following step #3, you can succeed in step #4. In other words, regular practice will help you remember the keys, whereby, you will learn to type without looking at the keyboard.

So, this is how I could learn how to type like a pro. If you're still doubtful about why isn't the keyboard designed alphabetically instead (ahh...I so knew you're still waiting for this to be answered!), let me tell you that it has some type-writer history behind it. However, that isn't important. In order to type fast, you just need to practice and practice. Try writing an essay on your favorite topics everyday. Write everything that is on your mind. This way, you will not have to look for what you're typing about, and it will improve your speed too. So, the gist of this article is that ...for faster typing, just keep typing!