10 Tips to
Improve Your Reading Skills
By Jim Allen
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!
