In the transition from the theory of shorthand to actual practice, the first step is to train the student to apply the advanced principles promptly and unhesitatingly to new and unfamiliar words. This can best be accomplished by drilling on connected matter containing words in which these principles occur in rapid succession. Repetition practice on such exercises will impress the principles firmly on the student's mind and give him facility in using them.

The acquisition of facility in applying the advanced principles by dictation practice from miscellaneous matter is a slow and doubtful one. Concentration on one principle at a time insures absolute mastery of each principle. Many words containing the advanced principles are not of frequent occurrence, and therefore these principles are often forgotten or hesitatingly remembered and applied when such words do occur. By special drill on the principles at the beginning in interesting connected matter, the student acquires a ready command of them.

With this idea in mind, the first section of GREGG SPEED PRACTICE contains a series of letters which have been concocted for the purpose of drilling the student in the application of the rules. These letters are not always models of business correspondence and necessarily cannot be of that character, as each letter is intended to compress into the smallest possible space many words illustrating the particular principle or rule on which practice is being given. Sometimes the very oddity of the language used will help students to remember word forms distinctly, just as one remembers the number of days in the month by the familiar jingle of childhood.

From personal trial of these letters in the classroom, we know that this concentrated practice on advanced principles is productive of excellent results.