10 Tips to Improve Your Reading Skills
In the modern age of
information, reading
truly is a fundamental
survival skill. Here are
ten tips that anyone can
use to improve their
reading skills:
1. You don't have to be
a great reader to get
the point.
Some people read fast
and remember everything.
Others read slowly and
take a couple of times
to get all the
information. It doesn't
matter, really, so long
as when you read, you
get the information
you're seeking.
2. Know WHY you're
reading.
Are you reading for
entertainment or to
learn something? Decide
why you're reading
before you start and
you'll greatly improve
your comprehension and
your enjoyment.
3. You don't need to
read everything.
Not every magazine,
letter, and email you
receive contains
information you need. In
fact, most of it is
simply junk. Throw it
away, hit the delete
key! Just doing this
will double the amount
of time you have
available to read.
4. You don't need to
read all of what you DO
read.
Do you read every
article of every
magazine, every chapter
of every book? If so,
you're probably spending
a lot of time reading
stuff you don't need.
Be choosy: select the
chapters and articles
that are important.
Ignore the rest.
5. Scan before you read.
Look at the table of
contents, index, topic
headers, photo captions,
etc. These will help you
determine if, a) you
have a real interest in
this reading, and b)
what information you're
likely to get from it.
6. Prioritize your
reading.
You can't read
everything all at once
(and wouldn't want to).
If it's important, read
it now. If it's not, let
it wait.
7. Optimize your reading
environment.
You'll read faster and
comprehend more if you
read in an environment
that's comfortable for
you.
8. Once you start, don't
stop!
Read each item straight
through. If you finish
and have questions, go
back and re-read the
pertinent sections. If
you don't have
questions, you got what
you needed and are ready
to move on.
9. Focus.
Remember, you're reading
with a purpose, so focus
on that purpose and the
material. If you lose
interest or keep losing
your place, take a break
or read something else.
You can keep track of
where you are by
following along with
your hand. This simple
technique helps you
focus and increase your
concentration.
10. Practice!
The more you read, the
better reader you'll
become (and smarter,
too)! So, feed your
mind: read!
Author: Jim M. Allen is a life, career, & business coach -- and an avid reader. For more success tips, visit his website, http://www.CoachJim.com or subscribe to his newsletter