Education's purpose is to replace and empty mind with an open one.
- Malcolm S. Forbes
Reading will increase your knowledge of the world, expand your vocabulary, and improve your ability to express yourself. Reading will help you become more comfortable and confident speaking with others.
Read something that stretches you, your mind, your understanding of the world. Read a book that requires a dictionary by your side. Read to not only learn new words but also when, where, and how to use those new words in sentences, in conversation.
Reading is a simple, efficient way to learn new words and improve your vocabulary and communication skills. The more words you know, the better you can explain, discuss, teach, negotiate, present, delegate, inquire, engage, and understand.
What you read is important. Currently, daily newspapers, magazines and many popular novels are written for a 4th to 6th grade educational level. You need to find other literature to improve your vocabulary.
Reading newspapers, magazines, or journals is undoubtedly necessary to be aware of current events and developments in your field. To improve your speaking skills, you need to do more. If your client, co-worker, or competition is at another level, read to advance yourself to that level.
Read outside of your area of expertise. Add a little Shakespeare, philosophy, history of wine, graphic art, music, animal husbandry, gardening, astrophysics, biographies of famous people.
Do not worry about reading slowly. Speed reading is fine in its place. Reading great literature or challenging material takes time. No one speed-reads organic chemistry.
Not sure where to start? Choose a book from the multiple lists online - “The 100 Books You Should Have Read by the Time You Finished High School” or “The 100 Books You Should Have Read by the Time You Finished College.”
Many sources are available online and most are free – blogs, websites, audio books. Whether you prefer reading hard copy, use Kindle, or listen to audio, read or listen to something every day. Start with 15 min. on your commute, lunch break, or before bed. Research indicates shutting down your screens - computer, TV, or other electronic devices - at least 30 to 60 min. before bed will facilitate a better REM sleep.
Read for fun, too! Read something challenging, then read something fun and entertaining. The point is to get in the habit of reading, seeing the words on a page, and maybe thinking about what you just read.
Ready to stand out from the Mediocre Majority? Ready to look and sound better than your competition? When you are ready, really ready, to reap the rewards of speaking confidently, then its time to contact Barringer Consultants - info@barringerconsultants- for your FREE 15 min. consultation!
