Ever heard the powerful phrase…”Readers are Leaders and Leaders are Readers?”
What about the one … “Rich People Read books, and Poor People Watch TV ?”
Well whatever you have heard about reading, one thing is for sure; People who read well are more likely to do well academically.
I remember growing up as a student, that I hated to read books because it seemed like a long process or it seemed like the prelude before sleep. I even remember reading Cliff Notes, and the beginning and ends of chapters of books just to TRY to get an advantage over reading the entire text. But after three college degrees, I saw the direct correlation between my poor test grades and my reading efforts. I was always under prepared when I did not FULLY and EFFECTIVELY read.
Maybe you are presently like I use to be, dreading to read? Today I would like to share with you the fifth Academic Survival Skills that every Student most develop – READING.
Eliminate Bad Reading Habits
When you are reading a book, article, paper or journal entry, begin today to eliminate these bad habits that slow your reading down.
- Don’t move your lips while you are reading, but “SAY” your words in your mind, or use your finger as a fluid pointer.
- Train your eyes to take in large group of words, at every glance – not just one word in each since.
- Avoid backtracking. Stop rereading that sentence that you keep reading over and over. Keep it moving.
Adjust Your Speed
According to what you are reading, and the purpose of the material you are reading, adjust your speed of reading accordingly. Hear are a few examples:
- Skim material if you’re looking for the answer to a particular question
- Slow down when you are reading technical subjects, like equations, science or math.
Expand Your Vocabulary
If at all possible, strive to expand your vocabulary when you read.
- I suggest using a dictionary, or web program that will easily help you learn the definition, synonyms and antonyms of new words
- Understand what certain prefixes, suffixes, and roots of words mean. You can find books in the library or search the web for resources to help you.
- And when giving the opportunity, use new words that your learn in your everyday speech. It will help your vocabulary as well (Ps: I try to do this a lot in my speeches, just make sure you really know the full definition of the word).
Get Help if You Need It
If you are ever having challenges in reading,
- Enroll in a reading class. It’s okay! It’s actually a cool thing to read.
- And check with your school or university to see if they may have some helpful speed reading courses.
Okay here’s my challenge for you. Better your reading skills, by reading on a daily basis.
Tell me below (in comments) what books you are presently reading. What are the last three books you have read or in the process of reading.
The three books I am currently reading:
- Book Yourself Solid, by Michael Port
- The Maxwell Daily Reader, by John Maxwell
- Playing Your “A” Game, by Kantis Simmons (yep rereading cause I’m finishing the second version)
- The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries & Jack Trout
You can also see me speaking about this concept of reading to some students.
