When I was a child, I had many interests. But I never thought that if someone asked me years later what I enjoy doing the most, I would answer without hesitation – reading. An interesting book can completely absorb you for hours or even days. For me personally, it’s not just about the plot, but also how skillfully the author expresses their thoughts. To describe an event in such a way that the reader feels present in “that moment in time” is true mastery.
Recently, I came across a study that showed that reading is not only a hobby that can provide aesthetic pleasure from “perfectly crafted text”, but also an excellent way to develop mental abilities.
Let’s highlight three main benefits of reading:
Empathy is developed.
Your emotional intelligence expands. You experience the events of the book’s characters and empathize with those you like. This helps you learn to read the emotions of other people more accurately and keenly in real life and better understand them.
Reading improves concentration.
If you enjoy a book, you will easily be able to focus on the text. This helps you practice perceiving and processing new information. With each read, it becomes easier for you to comprehend and understand complex facts. You learn to analyze them and form your own opinion on the matter.
The level of education and overall development increases.
If reading quality literature becomes your habit, it will become evident for both yourself and those around you how well you express your ideas and thoughts in everyday life.
In another study, I found two more tips on how to get the maximum benefit from reading. These two recommendations helped me improve the quality of my language learning at the time. Therefore, based on my own experience, I confirm that these methods really work.
So,
The first tip is to immediately highlight important moments in the text.
Are you tired of struggling to understand what you’ve just read? Whether you’re delving into a work of fiction or studying a complex academic text, it can be easy to get lost in the details and miss the bigger picture. But with a simple yet effective technique, you can start to extract the key ideas and gain a deeper understanding of the text.
The first tip is to immediately highlight important moments in the text. If you have the time, consider writing them down in a notebook. Research has shown that writing by hand can be more effective for the brain than typing, so consider using a pen and paper if possible. Alternatively, you can use a stylus to take notes on an electronic file or jot down ideas directly in the Notes app on your phone or tablet.
So the next time you’re struggling to make sense of a difficult text, try highlighting key moments and jotting down notes. You may be surprised at how much more easily you’re able to understand and retain the information.
Once you’ve identified the main ideas, the structure of the author’s argument or narrative becomes clearer. You’ll be able to see how each point supports the overall thesis or story, and you’ll have a better sense of the author’s intended message. This technique can be useful whether you’re reading fiction or nonfiction, and whether you’re studying linguistic rules or mathematical formulas.
Second – read aloud and retell the text (if there are no listeners, at least to yourself).
Have you ever struggled to express your thoughts clearly and effectively, whether in writing or in conversation? Perhaps you’ve found yourself stumbling over your words or struggling to find the right phrasing. If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with effective communication, even when they have great ideas to share.
One simple yet powerful recommendation that can make a big difference is to read aloud and retell text. At first, I underestimated the importance of this practice, but once I began to apply it in my own life, I quickly noticed changes.
Reading aloud and retelling text can help to improve your ability to express your thoughts in both writing and conversation. As you practice, you’ll find that your conversational speech becomes richer and your thoughts are more easily and quickly embodied in words.
Of course, when you’re just starting out, this practice may not be easy. Getting used to reading aloud and retelling text can take time, and it may feel awkward at first. But with practice and persistence, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective communicator overall.
So if you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to improve your communication skills, give reading aloud and retelling text a try. You may be surprised at just how much of a difference it can make in your ability to express your thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
Do you struggle with remembering what you’ve read, even after spending hours poring over a book or article? If so, you may want to consider adding a simple yet powerful practice to your reading routine: reading aloud.
Regularly reading aloud can not only improve your ability to express your thoughts more clearly and effectively (as we discussed in a previous post), but it can also enhance your memory. As you practice reading aloud, you’ll find it easier to remember what you’ve just read. And over time, your memory as a whole may even improve.
When you begin to notice these positive changes in your mind, you may find yourself becoming more interested in reading and seeking out new books to dive into. Whether you visit your local bookstore or order a new book online, you’ll be able to approach your reading with greater focus, clarity, and retention.
So if you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to improve your memory and enhance your reading experience, consider incorporating regular reading aloud into your routine. Your brain will thank you!
Photo – Vincenzo Malagoli