Speed Reading, The Short Course
By Bill Willard on Oct 27, 2008 in Issue of the Week
The Issue: SBOs barely have enough time to change their socks once a day, so getting to those piles of non-business reading is usually a non-starter. Ever feel if you could only read faster you’d miss out on less important or interesting information?
What I Think: I never could speed read the old way. Remember? Drifting an index finger back and forth down the page, dragging your eyeballs behind. True, it didn’t take long, but I usually didn’t learn much either.
A college prof taught me a better way to speed read. It’s simple and it works, and I’ve used it for decades. Even better, as a writer/editor it helps me be more like those Lions of Concision, Strunk and White: Clear, Brief and Bold.*
Here’s how to read whatever you need to read; to learn a lot and do it fast!
- Read the title, subtitle and first paragraph. That’s where good writers tell you what they’re going to tell you.
- Read the first sentence of each paragraph and one example (if any). That’s where good writers put key ideas.
- Read the last paragraph. That’s where good writers wrap up what you need to know, and throw in one last point.
Try it! See how much your reading speed and comprehension improve. And now that you’ll have more time on your hands, how about those socks?
*The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White. At 92 pages this masterpiece of concision was user-friendly long before anyone knew what that meant. Its message: “Be clear, be brief, be bold”, and that’s how it’s written.
What Do You Think? Your comments are welcome. Have you registered?
Bill Willard has over 30-years experience providing high-impact written communications to small-business owners and independent professionals. Through interactive, Web-based “Do-While-Learning™” programs, e-Newsletters and straight-talking articles, Bill helps clients get the job done: profitably improving performance, helping grow their businesses, skipping expensive mistakes, making the journey to success faster, smoother, easier. And fun! A Phi Beta Kappa and former managing editor, he lives in Clearwater, FL.
Contact him at billw15@verizon.net. Or visit his Website: http://www.writergazette.com/WillardAssociates.shtml
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Johnny Coates | Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
I have that book (*The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White) in our shelf but I haven’t bothered reading it…
I don’t know if this is really speed reading, it is like an increase of reading and comprehension techniques.
There is a learning center that teaches these speed readings… their really helpful. hmmm there are techniques such as “not pronouncing the word” as you read them, chunking of words, and focus… they really increase your speed…
Bill Willard | Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
Johnny: Thanks for Commenting! You didn’t say how long “Elements” has reposed on your bookshelf, but unlimbering it will be well-worth your while!
My sister-in-law emailed saying an English prof at Marymount College in New York in the early ’60s had taught her the same technique I’d written up in this week’s IOW.
Also, thanks for those other tips–gotta be a million just like that, though I’m not sure how to “chunk” words.
Cheers.
Mark Anderson | Oct 30, 2008 | Reply
If you revise your advice, it becomes a simple set of rules for writing easy-to-read copy. Thanks.
Bill Willard | Oct 30, 2008 | Reply
HI Mark: Right on! Actually, I’d intended to add that same point! Opportunity…missed!