What do I, Churchill and Hemingway Have in Common?

At UKTyping we process hundreds of hours of dictation into letter’s and reports every month. It is here I have discovered an intriguing connection between my preferred method of working and the habits of some of history’s most distinguished figures. 

I was at a client site recently and I found the hospital consultant I was working with preferred, just like me, to dictate standing up. We both agreed that standing while dictating or thinking brought out our best work. This practice might seem unconventional at first, but it has deep roots in history.

The Historical Connection

Winston Churchill managed the rigours of World War II while pacing or standing, dictating his speeches and correspondence. This allowed him the stamina and focus needed during intense times. Similarly, Ernest Hemingway wrote his novels at a standing desk, believing that it aided his thought process and word flow.

Figures like Thomas Jefferson, Friedrich Nietzsche, Charles Dickens, and Søren Kierkegaard also embraced standing or pacing as part of their creative and intellectual routines, each finding that these movements enhanced their productivity and clarity of thought.

Why Stand and Dictate?

1.

Enhanced Vocal Clarity and Projection: Standing naturally improves posture, which is crucial for clear vocalisation. I have preferred to dictate standing throughout my careers as a lawyer and now as a businessman and this for me means fewer mistakes and less repetition!

2.

Increased Energy and Alertness: Moving away from the sedentary position of sitting keeps the mind sharper and more engaged. I have noticed a significant boost in my own energy levels, which reflects in my work.

3.

Better Health and Endurance: Standing intermittently can reduce the health risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as cardiovascular disease and lower back pain. It is not only good for your body but also for sustaining longer work periods without fatigue.

How Can We Help You?

Standing while dictating is more than just a personal quirk—it is a practice backed by history and effectiveness. Inspired by the greats who stood before us, we invite you to consider the benefits of this method. And when you need someone to handle the typing, remember that UKTyping is here to support you every step of the way.