Page 150 - DENG401_Advance Communication Skills

Unit 7: Reading Skills

Notes
He also added that it is widely believed that between the hours of twelve and one in the
morning, on September 13 every year, his ghost may be seen gliding round the Mice
th
Tower, wringing his hands in an agony of remorse--or it may not.
Note: The probability is that Count Rollo's Ghost will NOT be seen because there never
was a Swiss proverb that "Little pigs nevertheless make good pork," nor was there an
Albert Kostler, nor even a Count Rollow the Roisterer, though there IS the Mice Tower
and the Blausee! So, I'm sorry, but the whole yarn is a fake. B.-P.

7.6 Guidelines for Effective Reading

Every executive spends a substantial portion of his time in reading. For effective reading, the
executives have to keep the following guidelines in mind:
1. Define Purpose: The objective of reading should be very specific. The reader should be
clear by defining the purpose for which the matter is being read. At the same time, the
objectives for which the material is being prepared must also be seen. Careful
comprehension of an individual’s sense purpose will enhance the quality of his reading.
2. Clarity about Environment: Every reader has to understand clearly the environment in
which he has to operate in. Careful understanding of internal as well as external
environment will facilitate the reader to improve his efficiency.

3. Identify Reading Channel: The channel carries the message and thus influences the
communication interaction. Books, letters, memoranda, reports, forms, newspapers and
magazines are different reading channels. The reader has to identify the most effective
reading channels, if he has the alternatives. It is pertinent to note that reading channels
having permanent records of messages which need to be referred to.
4. Control Interference: For effective reading, the reader should control all potential and
actual interference of people and the environment. This includes the sources of noise,
disturbance, physical setting, etc. If a reader cannot control these interferences, he cannot
comprehend the material effectively.
5. Getting the Reading of Words and non-verbal Symbols: All messages are created by
words and non-verbal symbols. Reading and comprehension skills can be enhanced by
carefully assigning meanings to words and non-verbal symbols.
6. Evaluate Critically: A reader should keep a critical eye on the reading material. Without
critical evaluation, the reader cannot carry on reading effectively. After evaluation, the
reader shall be able to decide whether he needs to skim, scan or carefully read the material.

7.7 Reading Model – PSQ5R Model

PSQ5R is a model that stands for the basic steps in learning from reading in an efficient manner.
The P stands for Purpose, the S for Survey, the for Question, the 5R for Read selectively, Recite,
Reduce-record, Reflect, and Review.
Purpose
Why are you reading this article or chapter, and what do you want to get out of it? When you
have accomplished your purpose, stop reading.

Example: Your purpose in seeking a number in the telephone book is specific and clear,
and once you find the number, you stop ‘reading’. Such ‘reading’ is very rapid indeed, perhaps
100,000 words a minute! Perhaps it should be called by its proper name, “scanning”, but when it

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