Impressive Literacy Rate?? Abysmal Reading Culture??

Participating in a book club should be one of every leader's favorite yet rewarding activities.

And for the records, you needn't be a bibliophile to join a Book Club.

Hey You! Let's go Book Clubbing?????? Time to build an active literary life!!

I want to believe the contradictory tone of the article's title came without surprise, given the fact that you may possibly be a perfect case study. Yes! You. Now take a moment, tell me, if you remember, the title of the last book you either read or intended to read (be it fiction or not, rom-com, spirit inspired etc.). Let's record that against the title of the last movie you watched either on Netflix or any other streaming platform. I leave that to your sense of judgement.

As a statement of fact, reading has woefully declined amongst diverse groups of adults while we continue to record increasing rate of literacy across various disciplines all over the world. In 2012, this was captured in a piece on Harvard Business Review, "Even as global literacy rates are high (84%), people are reading less and less deeply". Clearly, we are faced with somewhat an ironic reality (literacy may not necessarily translate into a healthy reading culture). A reality that poses an imminent threat to our future and should this be left unattended, we may be forced to embrace a future of mental bleak and creative flabbiness.

Africa has come a long way in promoting literacy and has produced uncountable scholars of impressive erudition. However, there is much to be desired in nourishing our reading culture. According to a research paper in 2020, "Reading and developing countries are considered incompatible. This is due to the increasing apathy towards the habit of reading in these countries" (Isaac Nsiah, 2020).

In an internet age, where many things forcefully compete for the limited attention of leaders, employers, employees, lecturers, students etc., there appears to be little or no chance of satisfying one's annual reading goals. Most leaders and business professionals will attest to this. However, no reason, no matter how genuine should be afforded the slightest chance of plunging us into an abysmal reading culture. The leadership benefits of reading are wide-ranging and it sure pays to recognize that;

"Deep, broad reading habits are often a defining characteristic of our greatest leaders and can catalyze insight, innovation, empathy, and personal effectiveness"

(John Coleman, HBR).

The?Speech Masters Institute continues to uphold its mandate of championing leadership excellence in Africa and in line with its core duties delightfully position itself as a plug to reignite the spark of reading (an essential component for leadership development) amongst leaders of all stripes.

To all leaders; both existing and emerging... Let's go Book Clubbing?????? Time to build an active literary life!!

Let's highlight a few benefits of joining The Speech Masters Book Club (SMBC)

• The SMBC will help reinforce your commitment to your reading goals. Let's build up our content consumption muscles.
• Members get to read not less than 10 books a year in the area of leadership & communication. One book a month seems to be a fair deal.
• Our virtual monthly reviews will help members understand & appreciate diverse perspectives while finetuning their own.
• Our reading community will provide support in filling the knowledge gaps of our members.
• A professional networking platform: Building & nurturing new relationships amongst members from various parts of the world.

How can one join??

1. Fill our Book Club Form via https://forms.gle/nqwoevp1E8mv2Wfj7
2. You'll receive an email shortly after.
3. A representative will get in touch with you.
4. Follow us on all social media platforms for real time updates;

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speechmastersofficial
• LinkedIn: Speech Masters Institute
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechmasters_inc/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/speech_masters

For any enquiries;

Contact Speech Masters Institute via: [email protected]

Thank you for joining the SM Book Club! Welcome aboard!