How fast can you type? It is one of the crucial questions to ask yourself in this digital age. Almost every document you create, you use a computer, phone or any digital device. At 40 words per minute, that’s the average typing speed.
However, the highest recorded speed is 212 wpm. Which means there’s room for improvement for many of us. Moreover, as with every skill, it takes practice to get better. Something that those in services typing understand.
First Things First on Matters Typing
1. Break from Bad habits
There’s a certain way you’ve been typing up to date. Some use only two fingers which hover several keys. In turn, they have to keep looking at the keyboard, as they type.
Others slump as they work which may lead to aching wrists. It also slows down, one’s rhythm.
Back to the Basics of Typing
2. Fix your posture
Sit upright with feet, flat on the ground. They should be shoulder width apart, too. Place your wrists at the same level as your keyboard.
It allows your fingers to arch easily on the key when you turn handwriting into text.
3. Know your keyboard
The familiar keyboard layout is QWERTY. Use all the keys to find out what they do. Try to memorize the position of common punctuation marks and all letter keys.
Determining these without looking at the keyboard will help you type faster.
4. Rework your hand placement proper
Great typists use all their fingers when typing. Also, they can hold a steady position while maintaining proper hand placement. Train yourself to return to the same starting position, when at rest.
Both hands should be angled at 45 degrees to each other.
5. Use all Fingers
Place your index fingers on the F and J keys, when at the rest position. These keys have little bumps on them. Doing so, allows other fingers to fall into place naturally.
The little finger controls the punctuation, navigational and function keys.
6. Take Breaks
Taking care of yourself is essential in typing. When you start making many mistakes or get distracted easily, it could be time for a break. It will allow you to refresh yourself and come back more productive.
Ways to Increase your Typing Speed
7. Assess yourself
The general method of measuring typing speed is in words per minute (WPM.) It will allow you to have a benchmark to measure your progress.
8. Learn to touch type
That means, typing without needing to look at the keyboard. It may take time before you can effectively type, using muscle memory, but it gets comfortable with practice. Keep yourself from moving your fingers too much.
It should be just what you need to reach a specific key.
9. Practice
Getting the gist of touch typing can be tricky, but with practice, it gets easier. Schedule some time every day to practice touch typing. Ten minutes each day will do.
With time, you will notice your wpm improve.
10. Test and Train
There are numerous typing tests and tools available, online. Using them will help you develop muscle memory through repetition. Learn from your mistakes and tackle them accordingly when typing a document.
Final Take on Improving Typing Speed
Practice, practice and more practice. As you learn to touch type, refrain from going back to your old habits. Discipline yourself to type, without looking at the keyboard.
Memorize the location of various keys. Set aside time every day to test or train yourself. With time you notice the improvements you are making.
