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When was the last time you read a book?
There are three main ways we obtain new information: face to face, online and through printed material. Reading about different business models, successes, failures and biographies gives us keen insight and helps stop us from having to reinvent the wheel.
Some surveys say that the average adult only reads one non-fiction book a year and many people I talk to say they find reading a real chore. No wonder the average reading speed is only about 240 words per minute.
IBM did a survey in 1998 that found the average executive is exposed to over a million words a week. And this was well before the information explosion of the internet and online materials.
You do the math: 1,000,000 words @ 240 words per minute = 69 hours a week of reading.
Imagine if you could be more effective and strategic with your reading.
No, I am not talking about “Speed Reading” — in workshops I run we talk about “Rapid and Range” reading and being able to manage information overload. Reading is a bit like moving from place to place on foot. You can walk, sprint, or move at a steady brisk pace — it is a skill you can develop.
It’s also helpful to note that there are slightly different techniques for reading a newspaper, a magazine or a business book, a self-help book or reading online. Some key tips are:
- Establish your goals before starting to read. What do you want to get from the material?
- Check that your reading speeds are appropriate to the material you are reading. 100% comprehension is not always necessary.
- Take breaks every 30 minutes in order to improve concentration and to give your eyes and brain a rest.
- Improve your vocabulary! Scan the dictionary for words that you can’t define precisely.
- Use a guide such as a pen or your finger to increase speed, concentration and comprehension.
What have you read lately?
