AXW...
We only really did head copy when on watch on a ship, you had 500 on the speaker or phones all the time, and if within coast stn range, you had to keep an ear open for GDVS QTC DE GLD or similar, and when the 2 hrly GKA tfc list was on, copy the first few into the log just to ensure that there were no GABC or similar, then sit there while the list ploughed on at 25 - 30wpm and start copying it into the log again just before your call and then a few after.
I always used to try and do an extra neat layout/copy of a Ships Letter Telegram, what we took on the point was then folded and put straight into an envelope for delivery by mail, so it was always nice to try and get the Address box neat and square, the text nicely laid out, and the sig Love Bill or whatever neatly at the bottom.
Then there we the little well known codes that were often in a personal QTC, SWALK, BURMA, NORWICH etc.
Cheers Gavin