5 Tips For Improving Typing

Improving your typing skills can save you a lot of time, and can improve the accuracy of your work. Whether you are typing all day or if typing is a small part of your job, everyone can improve on their typing skills. But how?

Typing skills are now considered a standard skill. This means that having typing skills will be expected within most roles, even if it is only a small part of your job. With this in mind, it is a great time to keep up to date by learning new typing skills, or even improving your speed.

I certain professions, accuracy is especially important. In medical transcripts, for example, one small spelling error could cause a range of problems. This is the same in other industries, such as for Informational Technology professionals, who must be accurate and proficient typists when they write code for software and computer programmes. Small errors could cause a system-wide error.

But what is the preferred method of typing? Touch-type is considered the optimal form of typing, as it allows for more speed than the method of looking at the keyboard. Generational differences with keyboard proficiency are large; as much of the younger population have grown up around technology and are particularly well-equipped to use it, older generations may struggle more.

But how can you brush up on your typing skills? Here are 5 simple tips:

1. Be sure to use the correct starting position – Hand placement is important for speed but also for comfort and ease. Using the wrong starting position can cause aches and pains in your hands and wrists, which can make it difficult to type for long periods of time. To start, keep your fingers positioned over the following keys: left hand over the A, S, D, and F keys, and the right hand over the J, K, L, and ; keys, with your thumbs hovering over the space bar. This way, you will be able to reach neighbouring keys easily.
2. Keep good posture – Sitting in an upright position will make it easier to type faster. If you are slouched it can be difficult to keep a good speed.
3. Don’t look down at your hands – this can be very difficult at first, but if you avoid the temptation of looking at your hands, you will learn to touch type much faster. Instead, watch the screen and your accuracy will begin to improve.
4. Comfort is everything – Finding a position that is comfortable for your hands will be helpful if you are typing for long periods of time or shorter durations. The space bar should be centred with your body, try to avoid leaning more to one side.
5. Practice, practice, practice! – It wont happen overnight, but if you use these kills you will be sure to improve your typing skills over time. There are also many online resources that can help you to practice, such as typing websites and assessments.