“Reading is the birthright of the human being,” renowned actor and advocate for literacy LeVar Burton once said. This powerful statement highlights the importance of reading in our lives.

In today’s ever-changing digital age, reading remains an important skill for effective communication. Whether it’s through drafting press releases, social media posts or blog posts, being able to comprehend information is vital. Reading strengthens our understanding of the world around us and allows us to communicate more effectively. By reading, we expose ourselves to different vocabulary and ideas.

Reading is not just about increasing our knowledge. It is also a means of connecting with others. When we read, we engage in a social activity that involves communicating with the author and understanding their intended message.

Understanding Communication Through Literature

Reading literature — whether it’s novels, short stories or poems — can greatly impact our communication and storytelling abilities. It exposes us to different writing styles, character development and storytelling techniques. By engaging in well-crafted stories, we can learn how to connect with our audience, create compelling narratives and evoke emotions through words. Reading literature also helps us explore different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. This understanding can then be used in our own communications and storytelling, allowing us to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Regular Reading for Communications Professionals

Regular reading helps communications professionals develop a deeper understanding of different industries, target audiences and media trends. Reading industry publications, case studies and thought leadership articles allows communications professionals to stay updated on new trends and best practices.

Reading also offers an opportunity for us as communicators to observe how authors craft engaging narratives, allowing us to become better storytellers. By studying the work of authors, we can learn more about their use of language, pacing and dialogue to create meaningful takeaways that engage audiences.

How to Encourage Reading Amongst Communications Teams

To support continuous learning and personal development within your workplace, it is essential we encourage more reading as communications professionals. Here are some strategies to help develop reading habits amongst communications teams:

1. Create a library or a designated reading area in the office where employees can relax and read during breaks or free time.
2. Organize book clubs or reading groups where employees can discuss and share their thoughts on books they have read.
3. Bring reading into the workplace culture by promoting and recommending books related to professional development.
4. Invite authors or experts in the field to give talks or workshops at the workplace, providing employees with opportunities to engage with books and gain new knowledge.
5. Organize Teams or Slack channels dedicated to sharing recommended books for your team to read.

Reading plays a vital role in improving our communications skills. The more we read, the more insights we are able to gain that can enhance communications strategies and campaigns. We should always aim to increase reading to develop our strategic thinking skills that will allow us to showcase our thoughts and ideas effectively.