Touch typing, how to improve speed?

[boogiewoogie]

Okay, the back story is that I found a job advert for a legal secretary with the perfect hours and experience was preferred rather than essential so I thought about applying for it. However, having looked up what sort of typing speed audio typists are expected to have, I've decided against it as I wouldn't stand a chance.

Moreover, I've taken some online tests for speed with very mixed results. The problem is I think that I am so used to typing my way that I struggle to keep my fingers in the touch typing position. Is it really possible to relearn so that I can maximise the speed? With my usual technique, I'm doing 55wpm so far. I can use all my fingers just not on the right keys iyswim.

Anyone got any tips please?

Mavis Beacon is a great touch typing programme that has lots of games that you just practice and practice to get better with.

Alternatively for free on the BBC schools/learning zone - there's a touch typing tutor, that also starts from the very beginning with getting your fingers onto the right keys and has levels to practice through. However it is aimed at school kids you do have to cope with being treated as though you are 8 But as it's free and available now, it's definitely worth a try!

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

Thanks. zip, I found the bbc one by googling. So I guess we know how I'm spending my evenings then!

I will second Mavis Beacon - this is how I learnt my hand position for typing. I got thrown into audio typing when temping and I found that I really liked it so did some freelance work when at uni.
You can really improve quickly so don't be out off about typing speeds and go for any jobs you see and you'll be fine!

Another practice you can do is to take dictation from anyone in your family, have them sit away from you (nothing worse than someone standing over you).
Also don't worry about typos at first - get the hang of writing to pace and the rest will follow.
I've worked as a legal secretary and I found the content of the dictation soooo dull and repetitive that it was very easy to keep up!!

Good luck :)