Speed reading: for books not people

Speed reading is handy for picking up the vital points in a lengthy report.

It’s less effective for reading a room.

It’s tempting to speed read a room when the agenda is packed. And when under pressure to ‘get’ those longed for outcomes. 

But it’s risky when you’re facilitating. 

🏃‍♀‍💨 Speed reading a room risks missing the subtle, and not so subtle, cues from the group. 

🏃‍♀‍💨 We risk only hearing the ‘squeaky wheels’, and those with the loudest voices.

🏃‍♀‍💨 Others might speak, but a facilitator may not really take in what they say. 

And if, as a participant, you are not heard, being understood feels like a distant aspiration. 

If there was trust in the facilitator at the beginning, it’s undermined, if not lost.

Speed reading was a fad in the 1960s and 1970s. It’s had some famous advocates, from President Kennedy – who ‘prescribed it for his staff’ – to Kath Knight, who used it for every sort of document in Kath and Kim.

No doubt it’s useful in some situations. But as Pete Etchells wrote in the Guardian a few years ago:

"If you need to really get to grips with the content of a piece of writing, slow and steady wins the race."

That's because, as Etchells said, "Reading isn't just about seeing the words – you need to comprehend them to build up a picture about what the text means".

Regardless of whether you think speed reading works or not, it can be learned.

How to read the room better can be learned too. We can train our eyes to not just look, but to see, notice and observe. And get better at reading the room. 

If you’d like to work with me to get better at reading the room, here are 3 ways we can start:

1. Join me for an introduction to #Facilitography in the heart of Melbourne, 5.30pm – 7pm, every fortnight from January to March:
☐ 15 & 30 January
☐ 12 & 26 February
☐ 11 & 25 March

Details and book

2. Get a copy of my Insights Paper, Read the room like a street photographer
It’s about why reading the room is vital for productive conversations and how to get better at reading the room with the help of your phone. Get in touch and I’ll send it to you.

3. Talk to me about #Facilitography Walkshop for your organisation
Experience how to get better at observing, with street photography.  Drop me a line and I'll get back to you with the details.