In any profession, there are specific skills that are necessary, and personal skills that can help manage time and increase productivity for any career or task.
The everyday skills of reading, writing, and speaking are crucial to success, and by applying the right techniques, one can make the best use of their time.
When it comes to reading, it’s important to start with the purpose of the reading. Are you reading for enjoyment, or are you reading to gain information?
Different mediums are used for different needs, such as newspapers, magazines, or industry publications. To save time, skip over words that aren’t immediately relevant and read the headings to determine whether the information is pertinent.
Read the beginning and conclusion of any article first, and if the mid-section is worth reading, then go back and read the entire article. Taking notes on important points will help organize the information and save time in the long run.
Writing clearly and concisely is a skill that many of us were taught in school, but few have mastered. Before writing a report, brainstorm and jot down ideas as they come.
Categorize the information into specific groups, such as financial information, product information, sales data, departmental responsibility, and more.
Consider your audience and what information requires the most persuasion.
Use headings and lead-in sentences to help clarify the information, and keep industry jargon to a minimum. Take the time to edit and review your work, but don’t belabor each word.
Public speaking starts with knowing your audience. Who will be there, and what is their purpose? With what information do your listeners hope to walk away?
Once you know your audience, it will be easier to gear your speech toward their interests.
Write an outline of the facts you want to hit during your speech, and after your introduction, explain why your information is relevant to your audience and how it can help them.
Give them a few verbal headings by telling them what you will be talking about. Prior to actually giving your talk, have several rehearsals to get the tempo and information down.
Reading, writing, and public speaking are crucial skills that will more than likely become a part of your professional life. When done properly, these skills can help manage time more efficiently and increase productivity.
