Unlocking the Power of Focused Reading & Comprehension

In our fast-paced, information-heavy work environment, no matter if you're an administrative professional or a Technical Engineer, effective reading is an essential skill to have. For many people, however, reading can sometimes feel like a box to tick rather than a skill to be refined. I hope to inspire you to dive deeper into what you read, helping you fully understand information that can have a great impact on your work, safety, and personal development.

What is Comprehension?

Comprehension is your ability to understand and make sense of what you read. It involves interpreting the meaning, connecting ideas, and applying the information to real-life situations or tasks. Simply put, comprehension is about grasping the "why" and "how" behind the words, not just the "what."

Comprehension: Why Understanding Matters.

Reading without comprehension is like seeing without observing, (or a karak tea without the spices!). When we fully understand the content, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions, avoid costly errors, and increase our technical knowledge. Understanding adds depth to your role, making you more skilled, safe and effective at work.

Let us see how Reading differs from Comprehension.

Reading:

You might read a sentence like, “Ensure the pressure valve is set to 15 PSI before operation.” You can pronounce these words correctly and even know how to find the pressure valve.

Comprehension:

From the same sentence as above, you understand that the pressure valve is critical for safe operation. You realize that if the pressure is higher or lower than 15 PSI, it could cause damage to the machinery or be unsafe for operators. This understanding helps you apply the information effectively and safely.

Common Challenges in Reading and Comprehension.

Comprehension challenges often arise from limited vocabulary, difficulty with complex sentences, or lack of background knowledge on a subject.

Other common issues include:

• Losing focus.
• Misinterpreting information.
• Struggling to identify key points.
• Reading too quickly without absorbing details.
• Finding visuals like charts hard to understand.
• Language barriers.
• Information overload.

Strategies for Better Reading Comprehension

Start Small

Aim to improve your reading speed or understanding little by little. Set measurable goals, like reading an article per week or mastering a certain type of document. Celebrating these small milestones can keep you motivated.

Preview Before Diving In

Skim through the headings, subheadings, and any bold or italicized text before you start reading in detail. This previewing technique gives you a general idea of the structure and main points, helping you to mentally prepare and set expectations for what you’re about to read. It also makes it easier to locate specific information when you need it.

Break Down Technical Terms

Start by identifying unfamiliar words or technical jargon. Look them up or ask colleagues for clarification. Understanding key terms allows you to follow technical documents more confidently.

Read in Chunks

Rather than tackling large paragraphs at once, break down text into smaller sections. Focus on understanding one section before moving to the next. This approach prevents information overload.

Take Notes and Summarize

After each section, write down key points in your own words and language. This active engagement helps reinforce understanding. Even brief notes can support memory and improve comprehension.

Use Visual Aids and Diagrams

Many technical materials include diagrams, charts, or tables. These visuals are there to support your understanding, so take a moment to interpret them as they often simplify complex ideas. For example, if you're reading about a technical process, imagine or even draw each step as if it’s happening in front of you. This technique is particularly helpful for technical or procedural content.

Practice Active Reading

Active reading means being engaged with the text. Ask yourself questions as you read: What is the main idea here? How does this relate to my work? Reflecting as you go can improve both memory and understanding. For example, if a paragraph introduces a new concept, ask yourself: What is this concept about? Why is it important? How does it apply to my work? Engaging in this question-answer method keeps you focused and ensures you’re actively processing the information.

Building a Reading Routine

Set aside specific times each day for reading, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes. Consistency builds confidence and allows you to progressively improve your skills. Over time, you’ll notice that comprehension becomes more natural, and reading feels less daunting.

Tip: Practice with materials relevant to your work. Technical manuals, safety protocols, or even industry articles are ideal for honing your comprehension skills. The more you read relevant content, the more familiar and confident you’ll become. You can also try and read procedures and manuals which are not related to your line of work.

Reach Out for Help When Needed

You are not alone on this journey! If a document or concept is difficult to understand, reach out to colleagues or supervisors or even the document/ process owner of that document. Discussing and interpreting information together can enhance everyone’s comprehension.

Conclusion- The Path to Skillful Reading

The ability to truly comprehend what we read is more than just a skill—it’s a superpower. By embracing these techniques (and maybe, coming up with your own!), you’ll develop the ability to read confidently and comprehend thoroughly, enhancing your performance and broadening your expertise.

Whether it’s a technical manual, administrative procedure, safety protocol guideline, or any industry article, comprehension enables you to extract value, avoid costly mistakes, and excel in your professional journey.

Call to Action

How do you approach reading in your daily life? Do you focus on understanding or just ticking a box? Share your strategies or challenges in the comments. Let’s start a conversation about how we can all improve our comprehension skills to thrive in our roles and beyond.

Feel free to tag someone who would benefit from these insights, and together, let’s foster a culture of thoughtful and informed knowledge sharing!