Skim reading unstructured content

Unstructured content is text that has few headings, bullets and other organizing clues. Biographies, novels, and some business books are examples of unstructured content. Even though this material doesn't have as many organizational clues as structured content has, you can still use skim reading to gain a high-level view of the material.

When skim reading unstructured content, your objective is to read quickly and absorb the gist of the author's messages and key ideas. You don't really focus on any particular elements. In essence, you train yourself to skip words, phrases and sentences that are less likely to have key points. Instead, you focus on those parts of the page that are more likely to have key points.

To learn to skim read unstructured content, use the speed drills from the previous chapter, but gradually increase your pace so you only spend about 5-7 seconds skimming each page for an average size paperback. Use more time for larger pages or smaller print. Use less time for smaller pages or larger text. Run your eyes over the page from top to bottom. Focus near the start and end of paragraphs, but pick out relatively random phrases within paragraphs as well. Turn pages at regular intervals to keep up speed. Don't use the regulator technique while skimming. In this case, the "regulator" is the act of turning the pages.

It's important to remember that most articles, books and other materials have some structure. This means you can switch between techniques used for structured and unstructured content. So, be flexible in use of the techniques. For example, you might pick up an inspirational business book written by a corporate executive. The main topic is the "power of concentrated focus". Because the book is loosely organized (the author is a better executive than a writer), you first skim read it as unstructured material. In the process of skim reading it quickly, assume you discover potentially useful information. At that point, you switch to skim reading that information as structured material in order to determine its worth in relation to your reading purpose.

• Both formats includes the full course content from this website.
• PDF Format: You can read the PDF file on-screen in a single file, or you can print it out (over 100 pages!). It's ready for download within a few minutes after you've paid.
• Printed Format: You can skip the hassles of printing and order the printed format straight away. It even includes the PDF version so you can start reading while your printed book is shipped to you.
• Both are economically priced.

See more information or order now.

You can also get this product for free simply by reviewing our site or linking to us!