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The Secrets of Speed Reading and Comprehension
By Terry Small, BEd, MA
The following is an excerpt from Terry Small’s Brain Bulletin #13, 14 & 20.
Here is something interesting for you to read. Read it quickly:
"The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are. The olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia. Azanmig, huh? Yaeh and you awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!"
So, what's going on here?
This interesting piece was sent to me by Garyln D., a Brain Bulletin Subscriber. Having recently completed my Triple Your Reading Speed seminar, he immediately recognized what was going on. The visual pathways to your brain are very strong. Your brain never sees anything in a vacuum. Your brain takes what it sees and superimposes it on everything that is already in your brain. Learning is connecting new information to what you already know...context. Your brain has seen these words many times and it registers them as a picture based on prior experience. Essentially, your brain puts the letters back in the right order to match the picture. This is one of the secrets of speed reading.
How many of you have a pile of books that you're intending to read someday?
It is hard to find time to read. Everyone is busy. A recent poll recently determined that the #1 cause of stress today is a lack of time. Another poll recently found that 59% of North Americans fail to read a single book in a year.
Reading is good for your brain. In fact, exposing your brain to a constant flow of new ideas may be necessary to protect your brain from degenerative disease. At the very least, when you read, you get to learn, and think a lot...also very good for your brain.
When you cannot, or do not want to read a book word for word, read the first and the LAST sentence of each paragraph only. The first sentence contains the main idea. The last sentence contains the summary or linking thought to the next paragraph. There are books in my library that I have never read cover to cover, word for word. And you're thinking, "Well Terry, you missed a lot." True. But not as much as you because you did not read it at all! You simply cannot read every book you want cover to cover.
Francis Bacon said, "Some books are to be tasted, some chewed, and some few to be swallowed and digested."
Ever get to the bottom of a page and wonder what you just read? You are not alone. Most people's reading comprehension is not very good. Our minds wander. In fact, studies show that average retention is 2% after 30 days.
Your brain works best from the big picture to the details. Not the other way around. Ever do a jigsaw puzzle? That picture on the lid helped. Could you have put the puzzle together without the picture? Probably. Would it take longer? Yes. Is there a greater chance you would become discouraged, and stop working on the puzzle? Yes. Again, have you ever got to the bottom of a page that you just read and asked, "What did I just read?" Odds are your brain went sideways for the same reason....no picture. When you pick up something and just start reading, it is pretty much the same as trying to put a jigsaw puzzle together without the big picture.
So, what is the secret of much better reading comprehension and retention? SCHEMA. Schema is a word that means mental map. It is what you know about a topic before you read about it. Good schema equals good comprehension.
To improve schema when you read any non-fiction material is to read the first sentence of each paragraph only all the way through the chapter. The first sentence of each paragraph contains the main idea or the topic sentence. When you read the first sentence of each paragraph, you get the big picture. Similar to having blueprints BEFORE you construct a building. When you read the details later, they have a place to "stick" in your brain.
Remember, reading makes you smarter. It puts a voice in your head. It is good for your brain!
Terry Small, B.Ed., M.A., is a master teacher and Canada's leading learning skills specialist. He is the author of the Brain Bulletin with over 35,000 subscribers worldwide. Terry has presented on the brain for over 34 years to over 300,000 people in organizations around the world. His knowledge, warmth, humour and dynamic presentation style have made him a much sought-after speaker at workshops and conferences. Terry often appears on TV, radio, and in the press. He recently appeared on BCTV, Global, CKNW and Student Success. His presentations are practical and based on the latest brain science.
Learn more from Terry in-person, as he delivers the morning plenary - The Business of Learning: Preparing Your Mind for the Future - at our upcoming PD Nexus Business & Innovation Insights on December 13. You can also catch him at one of his live virtual or in-person seminars on Triple Your Reading Speed, Brain Focus: The Power of Full Engagement or Wiring Your Brain for High Impact Leadership
CPA Excellence: Elevate Your Skills for Success
The accounting profession is evolving rapidly due to advancements in technology, changes in regulations, and shifting business landscapes. To succeed in 2023 and beyond, CPAs should consider developing or honing the following essential skills:
Regulatory Knowledge
Continually update your knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE), and the Canadian Standard for Quality Management as these standards evolve. Keep abreast of changes in tax laws and regulations, especially in the areas of Personal and Corporate Taxation, Trusts and Estate planning.
Technology Proficiency
Learn about emerging technologies for Accountants, including Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. Understand the basics of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, as well as some of the uses, benefits, risks, and threats posed to legacy businesses by these innovative yet disruptive platforms. Discover techniques for securing your data, including encryption, virus protection, safe communications, electronic signatures, secure authentication, and more.
Soft Skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for presenting financial information clearly to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. The ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions is a valuable skill. Be open to change and ready to adapt to new technologies, regulations, and work environments. Ethical considerations are paramount in accounting. CPAs must exercise sound ethical judgment in all professional interactions.
Business Acumen
Navigate the complexities of the business world effectively. Understand the broader business context and be able to align financial strategies with organizational goals. Building and maintaining strong client relationships is crucial for success in accounting. CPAs should have a solid grasp of risk management principles and be able to assess and mitigate financial risks effectively.
It is essential for CPAs to stay current with the latest industry trends, attend professional development courses, and engage with relevant professional organizations to continually enhance your skills and knowledge.
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Meet Dr. Jim Murray, Hon BA, MA, MSc, EdD, CEO of optimal solutions international, a firm dedicated to helping people and organizations achieve their full potential.
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Jim has taught his courses for CPABC since 1982. He is the architect of several executive development programs for five provincial CPA bodies, has published four best-selling books and provided strategic counsel to over 600 organizations. He has been nationally honoured by the university community and formally recognized for “excellence in the design and delivery of life-long learning”. His full bio is on SmartLeaders.ca.
Learn from Jim at one of his upcoming live virtual seminars on Negotiating Mastery Certificate Program, Conflict: Changing Viewpoints and Influencing Behaviors and Becoming... what you really want to be.
With an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5, here are what past participants have to say about their seminar experience with Jim:
“Jim is very experienced. He shared a lot of his coaching experience to us. Very thought provoking. Highly recommend”
“Jim is amazing and a great wealth of knowledge. Many, many nuggets to incorporate into daily life.”
“Great instructor! I really enjoyed his seminar.”
Reminder
The Canadian Standards for Quality Control (CSQC1) have replaced the Canadian Standard for Quality Management (CSQM1 and CSQM2) and related amendments to relevant assurance standards.
For non-assurance firms, which includes Compilation Engagement providers, the systems of quality management for related services engagements are required to be implemented by December 15, 2023.
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