Have you forgotten how to spell?
With today’s technology, it seems like things should be easier and easier, right?
Maybe.
I’m a pretty darn good speller, but I’m finding myself getting worse as time goes on. I blame it on spellcheck, lazy typing (who needs to type well when you have a backspace key), instant messaging (IMing), and text messaging.
Here are some ideas for fixing this growing problem:
1. Spend at least half an hour each week typing without using the backspace key. Force yourself to spell things right the first time. If you make a mistake, leave it.
2. Go back over your typing and circle all the mistakes you made. Write that (likely huge) number in red ink, and make it big, on your paper.
3. Now that you feel bad, promise yourself that that number will decrease each time you practice.
4. When you IM or text message, spell out the words as often as possible. I know it takes more time, but practice makes perfect.
I haven’t tried this method yet, but as I type this I’m finding myself backspacing a little less often than usual. Next time I’ll do better.
What about you? Have you forgotten how to spell or type too? Any tips for the rest of us?