Communication Skills - READING SQ3R METHOD OF READING SQ3R - METHOD OF READING ‘SQS3R is a method of reading that is useful in text book reading, It is useful in saving time and learning things for long term use. SQSR refers to Surveying, Questioning, Reading, Reciting and Reviewing. SQ3R ° Survey y frauen) * Review ‘SURVEYING ‘As soon as you get into a textbook! unit / lesson, make a quick survey. Survey the Title, Introduction, Headings, Sub Headings, Conclusion and so on to get an idea of what you are going to read. QUESTIONING Tum the Title, Headings, Sub Headings, Important points, Key words and phrases into questions.f READING As you read the text, write down the questions you have formed on the left side of the margin and try to fix the answers. Write down the questions in the self evaluation part of the unit or the lesson on the right side margin and try to fix the answers, RECITING Drape Strewgthe demvneny ‘After you have read the text carefully, open the text, cover the right side margin of the page and look at the questions on the left side margin and try to give the answers orally or write them ina sheet of paper. Then cover the left side margin of the page and look at the questions on the right side margin and try to give the answers orally or write them in a sheet of paper. REVIEWING After some three days take the text, look at the questions and try to remember the answers. If any doubt, get into the text and clarify it. Leave it for a week. After that, take the text, look at the questions and try to remember the answers. If any doubt, get into the text and clarify it. Leave for a month. After that take the text, look at the questions and try to remember the answers. If any doubt, get into the text and clarify it. Just like that go through the text at specific intervals ~ maybe after three months, six months or one year. This will help you in carrying over your knowledge for years to come. What Is Speed Reading? Speed reading is the process of rapidly recognizing and absorbing phrases or sentences on a page all at once, rather than identifying individual words. The amount of information that we process seems to be growing by the day, whether it's emails, reports and websites at work, or social media, books and magazines at home. We likely feel pressure to get through this information more quickly, so that we can survive in the ways going on and make informed decisions.Most people read at an average rate of 250 words per minute (wpm), though some are naturally quicker than others. But, the ability to speed read could mean that you double this rate. We'll now explore some of the skills that you can use to accelerate your reading. How to Speed Read All speed reading techniques have one thing in common: you avoid pronouncing and "hearing" each word in your head as you read it, a process known as as "sub-vocalization." Instead, you "skim" lines or groups of words, as you can understand words more quickly than you can say them. One way to stop yourself from sub-vocalizing is to focus on blocks of words rather than on individual ones. Do this by relaxing your face and "softening" or expanding your gaze on the page, so that you stop seeing words as single, distinct units. As you practice this, your eyes will skip faster across the page. Then, when you approach the end of a line, allow your peripheral vision to take your eye to the final set of words. This will help to stop pauses in your reading (often at full points), meaning that you scan across and down to the next line more quickly. How to Improve Your Speed Reading Knowing the "how" and "when" of speed reading is only the first step to success. Here are some more tips to help you: ‘+ Avoid distractions, Create an environment where there are as few interruptions and distractions as possible, to allow you to focus fully on the words in front of you. * Goeasy. Read an uncomplicated novel or a simple online article to get a feel for which technique is going to work best for you. Gauge how much you've remembered or understood, and set a timer to see how much faster you are now reading. * Cover words that you've already read. This helps you to stop your eyes flitting back to earlier words and slowing down your reading.+ Know what you want from the text, This can be useful if you are using the skimming method, as it primes you to pay attention when you see relevant words, sentences or phrases, You can then slow down at these points, or circle them for emphasis, but otherwise move across the page quickly. + Benchmark your progress. This way you can tell whether your practice is paying off. There are many free speed reading assessments online, + Practice, practice, practice. YOU have to practice speed reading to get good at it, The more you train yourself, the more natural it will feel. Key Points Flexible Treading skills are vital to cope with a wide range of material, in a variety of formats. We need to adapt our reading behavior for printed and digital texts accordingly — including using technology to help. Reading strategies should be based on the type of text you're using, and what you want from it. + Know what you're reading - and why. + Identify key information. + Increase your understanding, + Recall and review the text. + Control your reading environment. Skim reading or skimming- ‘Skimming is a speed-reading technique which enables the reader to cover a vast amount of material very rapidly. It is a process of reading over text with the purpose of getting only the main ideas or the over-all impression of the content. Readers skim to get the information they need quickly without wasting time. They do not need to read everything which is what increases their ‘speed-reading range. Your skimming skill ies in knowing what specific information to read, Steps of Skimming: Read the tite Read the first paragraph or the introduction. Read the first sentence of each paragraph. Read headings and sub-headings. Notice any pictures, graphs or charts Notice any italicized or boldface phrases or words.7. Look for important pieces of information, such as names, dates, or events. 8. Read the summary of last paragraph carefully Itis very useful to pay attention fo the organization ofthe text, Main ideas are found in the first sentence of each paragraph and in the first and last paragraphs. In skimming, to get an over-all impression, ignore the detalls and look for the main ideas. Be active all the time when you're reading, You have to work at constructing the meaning of the text in what you're reading In most academic writing, the paragraphs are organized internally. It is a coherent unit, which must connect to the previous and next paragraphs, Skimming a text using first lines of paragraphs is an effective way to ind general information of your reading material, Always remember that reading is an interactive process. ‘You may also find that in some reading materials, the text is organized through the use of headings and ‘sub-headings. This should help you get a feeling for the organization ofthe text and its content. You will find that familiar texts are easier to read when you are skimming a text using section heading Purpose of note taking — ‘There are two main reasons why note-taking is important: When you are reading or listening, taking notes helps you concentrate. n order to take notes - to write something sensible - you must understand the text. As listening and reading are interactive tasks, taking notes help you make sense of the text, Styles of notes The main reason for taking notes in a lecture is to be able to use them later, for example in exams or in your academic writing, It is therefore important not only for you to understand how to note the main points accurately, but also how to note them with a clear organisation, which the relationship between the ideas clearly shown. This page describes two different ways to organise your notes, namely linear notes and pattern notes. It also gives information on a very common method of note-taking, the Cornell Method. Linear notes The word linear is the adjective of the word line, which indicates that these notes are written down the page, one line after the other. This type of notes is sometimes called outline notes as they are similar in format to the outline of an essay. Linear notes are the simplest and therefore the most common style of notes, both for reading and listening. The word linearis the adjective of ‘the word line, which indicates that these notes are written down the page, one line after the other. This type of notes is sometimescalled outline notes as they are similar in format to the outline of an essay. Two common features of this style of notes are the use of: «numbering or lettering; + indentation. The use of numbering/lettering and indentation is important to help distinguish the main points from the minor ones. The use of indentation also helps to make the information more visual, which is useful for visual learners (although of course linear notes are not as visual as pattern notes, Linear notes = go down the page - use letters/numbers - use indenting 2. Pattern notes - more visual - several types a) Spidergram b) Flowchart c) Table d) Tree diagram The main advantage of linear notes is that they are usually very clear, especially when there is a clear structure to the lecture (or reading text, for reading and note-taking). The main disadvantage is that they are not as interesting or visual as pattern notes, which means the information may be less memorable. Pattern notes Pattern notes are notes which are not linear and therefore have some distinctive pattern. There are four main types considered here, which are spidergram, table, flowchart and tree diagram.Spidergram A spidergram, also known as a mind map, is a diagram in which ideas are linked to each other by lines, Usually starting from the middle and working outwards, making the diagram look alittle like the web of a spider (spidergram is a combination of the words spidenveb and diagram). Although it can be used at any time, it is best when there is one central topic with several sub-topics related to it. An example of a spidergram, for information on this page, is given below. In this spidergram, the central topic is pattern notes, and there are four sub-topics, namely the four types of pattern notes described on this page.“ wn. an x oe chy firing / " 3 I Salerro di ¢ wha \ “el ya : 7 peels le The advantages of this style of notes are that it is quick and easy to make, and itis very visual, which makes it ideal for visual learners. Itisalso easy to add information later. It tends to be briefer than linear notes, which could be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Table Another type of pattern notes is a table. This is most commonly used when two different things are compared, and is therefore usually only used for part of a lecture (or reading text). It can be difficult to use this style of notes when listening, as when you are listening you need to make a very quick decision of which Style to use, though it is easier to use when reading and note-taking since you have more time to think before making notes. If two things are being compared, this is definitely an effective form of notes to use, as it makes the similarities and differences very clear. Below is an example of a table, for information on this page. Linear notes Pattern notes Connection between ideas very clear | Connection between ideas quite clear Not very visual Very visual May be a little boring. Usually quite interesting Can be difficult to add info later Usu easy to add info later Flowchart ‘A flowchart is useful if you want to show a process or a change over time. A flowchart usually has steps shown in boxes connected by arrows which show the order. Below is an example of a flowchart, for the process of writing an exam essay.Understand title yo Brainstorm ideas No Enough ideas? Write an outline Write essay ig Enough time? Work on another No question ¥ ves Check essay Tree diagram A tree diagram is another form of pattern notes. It is called a tree diagram because, if turned upside-down, it resembles a tree. This type of notes has a specific use, which is to show classification. Below is an example of a tree diagram for information on this page. Here it can beseen that notes can be divided into two types, linear and pattern. Pattern notes can be sub-divided into four main kinds, namely spidergram, table, flowchart and tree diagram. s Mi Hs [near Parn wiles nbhes re. dayran an Cite this! Span Table owchack ) The Cornell Method The Cornell Method is a particular method of note-taking, rather than a separate style. It was developed in the 1950s by a professor at Cornell University, and is especially common at universities in the USA. For this method, the page is divided into three areas: notes go on the right side of the page; questions are added on the left; while a summary is added at the end. The space on the right for notes is the largest area This is a method of note-taking rather than a style since the two stylesdescribed above, linear and pattern, can both be used within the Cornell Method when noting the main points, The main advantages of this method are that it is specifically designed for making notes in a lecture, and the questions ensure a more active engagement with the lecture. The main disadvantage is that it can take some time fo learn how to take notes using this method, The page format for Cornell notes is shown below. Questions Notes ‘Summary Summary In short, there are two main styles of notes, linear notes and pattern notes, with pattern notes sub-divided into four main kinds, which are spidergram, table, flowchart and tree diagram. Whichever way youuse, you should still try to make the main points as clear as possible, and ensure the connections between ideas are also clear, so that you will be able to use your notes later. Both styles can use headings, underlining, highlighting and space to help make these relationships clear. Although some styles of notes are better suited to particular functions, for example a table when comparing or contrasting, or a flowchart for showing a process, which style you choose will depend ‘on your ability to recognise the best type to use, and also your own personal preference. Listening skill Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process.Listening is key to all effective communication. Without the ability to listen effectively, messages are easily misunderstood. As a result, communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated.|f there is one communication skill you should aim to master, then listening is it. Listening is so important that many top employers provide listening skills training for their employees. This is not surprising when you consider that good listening skills can lead to better customer satisfaction, greater productivity with fewer mistakes, and increased sharing of information that in turn can lead to more creative and innovative work. t 4 Many successful leaders and entrepreneurs credit their success to effective listening skills. Richard Branson frequently quotes listening as one of the main factors behind the success of Virgin. Good listening skills also have benefits in our personal lives, including: AA greater number of friends and social networks, improved self-esteem and confidence, higher grades at school and in academic work, and even better health and general well- being. Studies have shown that, whereas speaking raises blood pressure, attentive listening can bring it\ Thar one [ere fe ecllntg ma Me do ioe Shall, ae Tale cy—~ Listening is Not the Same ag Hearing Hearing refers to the sounds that enter i you do not have any hearing ebee fou ea isa physical process tat, provided blems, happens automatically. Listening, however, requi , fequires more - effort, both mental and sometimes pati roquirs focus and concentrated Listening means payi i langua oe fa ere Not only to the story, but how itis told, the use of means being aware of both ve He other person uses his or her body. In other words, it al and non-verbal messages. Your ability to listen effectively depends on th rf messages. the degree to which you perceive and understand these Listening is not a passive process. In fac, the listener can, and should, be at least as engaged in the process as the speaker eee ee describe this process of being fall nae phrase ‘active listening| is used to The Purpose of Listening ‘There is no doubt that effective listening is an extremely important life skill. Why is listening so important? Listening serves a number of possible purposes, and the purposeof listening will depend on the situation and the nature of the communication. 4. To specially focus onthe messages being communicated, avoiding distractions and preconceptions. Pie gain a fll and accurate understanding into the speakers p97 of view and ideas. Totally assess what is being said. (See our page on Critica Thinking for more). 7 cheers the non-verbal sianals aocompanying whats being said fo enhance understanding. To show interest, concern and concentration. Foro rage the speaker fo communicate fuly, openly and honesty. 72 govelop an selflessness approach, puting the speaker st To arrive at a shared and agreed understanding and acceptance of both sides views. ser eros Often our main concern while listening is to formulate ways to respond. This is not a function of listening. We should try to focus fully on what is being said and how it's being said in order to more fully understand the speaker.HURIER Model of Listening The acronym HURIER is sometimes used in academic texts to summarise a model of effective listening skills. This model was developed by Judi Brownell of Cornell University. H- Hearing ‘Hearing’ is used here in a very broad sense. Not only does it refer to the physical act of hearing, but also to picking up on non-verbal and other signals; tone of voice, body language and facial expressions, for example. U — Understanding ‘heard’ i This means tying Once the message has been ‘heard’, the next step is to understand, together all the element of ‘hearing’ to create a coherent understanding at what was communicated. Factors like language and accent may affect your understanding. R- Remembering Remembering requires focus. An effective listener needs to be able to remember the message they are receiving in its entirety. I= Interpreting Interpretation of the message builds on, and enhances, understanding. Interpretation means considering factors such as the context in which the message was sent, Importantly, here the listener also needs to be aware of, and avoid, any preconceptions or biases that they may hold that may affect how the message is interpreted. E - Evaluating Evaluating requires that the listener keeps an open mind on the messages they are receiving and doesn't jump to conclusions about what is being said. Evaluate all the information and only then start to formulate a response. R- Responding Finally, your response should be well measured and demonstrate that you have understood what was communicated. It may be necessary to use techniques such as clarification and reflection as part of the response. Feature of effective listeningGood listeners share these characteristics: They pay attention to ey vy ono the Person who is speaking They show int 4 THey make eee ee ein a by sting at appropriate times. Sin Words For ahem Understand what has been sald by repeating it in their + They let the other pes 2 good listener might say, "Do you mean that. a + They ask questions if n finish his or her thoughts without interrupting. if anything is not clear when the speaker has finished. Listening Has Benefits Effective listening helps to resolve conflicts, build trust, isp ' : teams. Thats expecially important to leadership. ee Benefit 1: You'll Gather Critical Facts before Making Decisions Spend most of your conversations listening and you'll absorb the information as itis given you. Ifyou collect all ofthe fact instead of jumping to assumptions, you're able to make a well- qaformed decision. When you stop worrying about what you're going (0 say and focus on what's being said, you wil put more thought into what you want fo communicate, Benefit 2: You Can Uncover Underlying Issues Intuitive listeners are looking forthe story behind the message, and the opportunity beyond the saan Tistening i about discovery, and discovery doesnt only impact the present, but itcan also influence the future. “When someone is speaking to you, it's easy to zoe out adjust focus on its and pieces of what they're saying Listen careflly to what they ae saying, how they are saying it, and what seems to be left out. There may be an underlying issue of which you weren't even aware. Hear them out completely. Benefit 3: Active Listeners Have More Successful Interpersonal Relationships Listening with active attention supports the speaker and helps build their confidence. People feel veined wehen they are listened to and tis promotes felings of trust and respect. In return, gresier Sooperation ensues, Active listeners have greater powers of persuasion because they encourage cool feelings of respect. Active listening helps to glean adltional information from the speaker and good listeners are able to initiate resolutions to misunderstandings more easily. Benefit 4: You Avoid “Trifling” ConversationIfyou decide to listen more, and s be said. Your opinions make a gy said, “Speak not but what may ak les than you normally would, you only say what ses to eater impact and your points are succinct, Benjamin Franklin benefit others or yourself; Avoid trifling Conversation.” Benefit 5: You'll Recognize the Contributions of Others When you listen more, you see how others contribute, You'll see how people coal we ideas, actions or results. Few things go as fa in building good will as recognizing others you'll end up learning a thing or two that you didn’t know. . Try it ‘We can all spout off endless rhetoric but listening? Great listeners are not 2 pare ae : this week. Listen more than you speak and see what happens. That's my goal for