Any command that redraws the database or highlights a group of items can be sped up by canceling the drawing process. By pressing the Esc key, you can halt whatever is redrawing the display. This does not effect the operation of the command; only the redraw is effected. Once you are comfortable with the operation of various functions, you will find that this ability significantly speeds things up.
Tip: You can have the right mouse button end functions like the Esc key by disabling the Right Click Menu.