How to Take the FASTEST Notes

TL;DR

Speed note-taking depends on speed skills that reduce pauses and wasted motion, not just on changing the note format.

Briefing Cornell Notes

Briefing

Fast note-taking isn’t about changing what gets written—it’s about writing it quickly enough that more ideas make it onto the page, which in turn makes later revision more accurate. The core message is that speed comes from specific skills and tools, whether notes are handwritten or typed, and that “speed writing” and “shorthand” are different techniques with different learning paths.

For handwritten or typed notes, the first priority is speed writing—distinct from shorthand. Speed writing focuses on how to use shortcuts for words to increase writing throughput, typically through systematic abbreviations. One practical approach is to abbreviate based on word length: short words can drop vowels, while longer words can be reduced using consistent rules. For keyboard users, the fastest gains come from automation. A text expander replaces short keywords with full words or phrases automatically inside whatever app is being used. The transcript points to text expander tools such as TextExpander and Phrase Express as starting options, and notes that on a Mac, similar functionality is available by default, avoiding the need to install extra software.

Handwriting speed can be improved by changing mechanics, not just abbreviations. Cursive is presented as a time-saver because it reduces wasted motion: every time the pen lifts, time is lost. Writing in cursive also tends to evolve into personal abbreviations as practice increases, compounding speed over time.

For typing, touch typing is framed as both a speed and accuracy upgrade. By typing from muscle memory rather than searching for keys visually, writers avoid pauses and can keep attention on the content being transcribed. That same “look at the screen” workflow helps when copying from sources like PowerPoint slides or textbooks—typing as reading continues, rather than stopping to find keys.

Shorthand is treated as the next level—more effective for speed, but harder to learn. It’s described as a system that rewrites language into a different form of writing, not just shortcuts for common words. The transcript emphasizes that shorthand still works in modern contexts and offers multiple routes: take a shorthand class, or build a custom system through trial and error. It also highlights that the best system depends on available learning time and how fast the notes need to be.

Finally, for people who type notes and want organization, sharing, and powerful editing, Notion is offered as an all-in-one workspace. The transcript describes using Notion templates and tables for planning and collaboration, and mentions a free personal plan with no word or block limits—positioned as a low-cost way to start preparing for a new semester.

Overall, the fastest note-taking strategy blends technique (speed writing, cursive, touch typing, shorthand) with the right tooling (text expanders and Notion) so that more information gets captured and revision becomes easier and more reliable.

Cornell Notes

Fast note-taking comes from building speed skills that reduce pauses and wasted motion, then pairing them with tools that automate repetitive typing. “Speed writing” is not shorthand: speed writing uses systematic abbreviations (often based on word length or common letter patterns), while shorthand replaces language with a separate writing system designed for high speed. Keyboard users can accelerate transcription with text expanders that turn short keywords into full phrases, and Mac users may already have similar features built in. Handwritten notes can get faster by using cursive to avoid lifting the pen, and typed notes benefit from touch typing to rely on muscle memory for both speed and accuracy. Shorthand can be even faster but requires more learning time, and Notion can help organize and share typed notes.

How is speed writing different from shorthand, and why does that distinction matter for learning?

Speed writing focuses on shortcuts for words—using everyday letters with a standard abbreviation approach (for example, dropping vowels in short words and applying consistent reductions for longer words). Shorthand, by contrast, is a separate writing system that transforms what’s being written into a different form of notation, enabling very high speed but requiring more training. Choosing between them changes what to practice: speed writing targets efficient abbreviations, while shorthand targets mastering a new symbolic system.

What concrete tools can make typed notes faster without changing the notes’ content?

A text expander can recognize a very short keyword and automatically expand it into a full word or phrase inside any word processor or app. The transcript names TextExpander and Phrase Express as examples. For Mac users, the transcript notes that a similar feature may already exist by default, letting users start inserting keywords and expansions without installing extra software.

Why does cursive speed up handwriting, beyond just “being faster”?

Cursive reduces time wasted on movement. Every time the pen lifts, time is lost, so cursive’s connected strokes help keep the hand moving smoothly across the page. With practice, cursive can also evolve into a personal set of abbreviations, further cutting down the time spent writing.

How does touch typing improve both speed and revision quality?

Touch typing relies on muscle memory instead of looking at the keyboard. That prevents pauses caused by searching for keys and keeps attention on the text being entered. Because the typist is looking at the screen, the transcript suggests it also supports accuracy and makes revision easier—especially when copying from sources like PowerPoint slides or textbooks by typing as reading continues.

What trade-off does shorthand introduce, and how should someone choose a shorthand system?

Shorthand can be more effective for speed but is harder to learn. The transcript frames it as the “father of fast note-taking” and notes many shorthand systems exist. The best system depends on how much time is available to learn and how fast the notes must be; examples mentioned include various Gregg systems (e.g., for max speed) and Pitman variants, plus an alphabetic system called Keyscript that’s described as fast to learn (around 120 words per minute).

Where does Notion fit into the speed-notes workflow?

Notion is positioned for people who type notes and want organization plus editing, sharing, export, and printing. The transcript describes using templates and tables for planning and compiling information, and collaborating with others by sharing pages. It also highlights a free personal plan with no word or block limits as a low-friction way to start.

Review Questions

Which technique would you prioritize first for faster handwritten notes: speed writing, cursive, or shorthand—and what specific mechanism makes it faster?
If you type notes from slides or textbooks, how would touch typing and a text expander work together to reduce interruptions?
What criteria should determine whether you learn a full shorthand system versus using speed-writing abbreviations?

Key Points

1
Speed note-taking depends on speed skills that reduce pauses and wasted motion, not just on changing the note format.
2
Speed writing uses systematic abbreviations for common words (often based on word length), while shorthand is a separate writing system that requires more learning.
3
Keyboard users can boost speed with text expanders that automatically replace short keywords with full phrases across apps.
4
Handwritten speed improves when cursive minimizes pen lifts and naturally evolves into personal abbreviations through practice.
5
Touch typing increases both speed and accuracy by relying on muscle memory instead of looking at the keyboard, enabling smoother copying from sources.
6
Shorthand can deliver maximum speed but demands more training; the best system depends on available learning time and required writing speed.
7
Notion can support typed-note workflows with organization, powerful editing, sharing, export, and printing, with a free personal plan described as having no word or block limits.

Highlights

Speed writing and shorthand are not the same: speed writing is about efficient abbreviations, while shorthand is a full alternative writing system.

Cursive speeds handwriting by cutting down time lost to pen lifts and can gradually turn into a personal abbreviation style.

Touch typing helps writers stay accurate and revise more easily because attention stays on the screen, not the keyboard.

Text expanders can turn tiny keyboard shortcuts into full phrases automatically, speeding transcription across any app.

Shorthand remains effective in modern settings, but choosing a system depends on how quickly it can be learned and how fast notes must be captured.

Topics

Speed Writing
Shorthand Systems
Touch Typing
Handwriting Cursive
Text Expanders
Notion Notes

Mentioned

Notion
TextExpander
Phrase Express