Benefits of Reading
** Speech given at Toastmasters
Statistically speaking, one in
seven people in this room read at or below a fifth grade level or cannot read
at all. Staggering, isn’t it? United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines literacy as the “ability to identify,
understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and
written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in
enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential,
and to participate fully in their community and wider society.” In researching for material to incorporate in
to this speech, my heart was broken to discover the statistics for literacy,
not only in this country, but also around the world. Countries with a literacy rate less than 55%
have a per capita income of $600. In the
United Kingdom one in four children cannot read well by the time they leave
primary school. Literacy statistics
yielded in the research abounded. For
the sake of our time together, allow me to focus on three benefits of
reading. Reading increases the
intellect’s analytical skills, increases our ability to communicate, and is
therapeutic.
Reading and becoming proficient
in the art improves our memories, increases our focus and concentration, and
sharpens our analytical skills. Every
new memory we create forges new synapses (brain pathways) and strengthens
existing ones. This assists in
short-term memory recall and stabilizes a person’s mood. With an increased intellect, an individual
acquires the ability to comprehend and become well-versed in abstract ideas not
ordinarily based on the five sense. On a
daily basis anyone can watch the news and realize the state of global
affairs. History is filled with wars and
movements based entirely on ideologies.
For example: The Crusades, the communist revolutions of China and
Russia, and currently that of the Islamic State in the Middle East. On a personal level, reading allows us to
become more empathetic, easily able to understand other perspectives. In the end, avidly reading has also shown to slow
down or altogether prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Reading regularly also increases
our ability to communicate. The first
byproduct of reading is expanding our vocabulary, which provides a greater
outlet for personal expression. Reading
forces us to look at words and phrases we may not hear on a daily basis. In fact, language in a children’s book are
likely to be more sophisticated than the average conversation. I often propose freedom of speech is merely
the ends and final product of one’s ability to adequately express
themselves. In George Orwell’s book 1984, Big Brother undertook limiting the
individual’s vocabulary, thus rendering people intellectually isolated without
the means to express the flower of their personhood. A populace disarmed of intellectual ideas and
unable to think for themselves without an avenue of expression is no threat to
a tyranny. In addition to expanding our
vocabulary, a person who avidly reads increases their writing skills and
ability. Reading how authors write
greatly influences your own style of writing.
Each new idea may be taken in and tailored to your own personal
flare. An increased vocabulary and
sharpened writing ability are avenues of expression not to take lightly or
trivially.
Finally, reading is therapeutic,
entertaining, and promotes psychological and physical health. A person who reads discovers an inner-calm
and tranquility through reduced levels of stress not found very often in other
personal pursuits. Reading a great book
transcends our current realm, transporting us to other worlds while granting a
reprieve from the daily weight of our own existence. Reading promotes mental and emotional health,
which affects our physical health.
According to the Federal Government, low literacy adds an estimated $230
billion to the country’s annual health care costs and $225 billion in
non-productivity in the workforce.
Ladies, the statistics show you are four times more likely to have a
child before your 19th birthday versus those with a secondary
education.
As I arrive at the end of my
time, I encourage you to further research the statistics concerning reading and
the benefits thereof. While researching
this topic, I was almost drowning in information. In a nutshell, the benefits of reading are
numerous. I strongly encourage each and
every one in this room to begin reading on a daily basis. Challenge yourself in what you read. Don’t become discouraged if you find yourself
not where you want to be in your level of reading. Persistence and diligence is important. Developing proper reading skills and your
mental faculties will not occur overnight.
Finally, visit your local library and sign up for a library card. I am also personally available to answer
questions concerning what to read and how to proceed in the wonderful and
exciting world of reading.
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