One of the most powerful ways to improve your writing has nothing to do with writing: Read a lot.

Then when you sit down to write, the right words, rhythm and phrasings will come more easily — as long as you’re reading “quality” information, not just other people’s badly written emails!

(And besides being good brain food, “Readers are leaders.”)

No time to read more? Say hello to Spreeder.

I first heard of this technique years ago. Apparently the military developed it to help their soldiers read thick instruction manuals quickly.

It works by flashing up groups of words. Instead of having to scan lines, you just stare at a spot. Try it: http://www.spreeder.com/index.php

Click on the down-arrow to change the settings. Try reading a long email at 600 words per minute, in groups of three words at a time. Then try increasing the speed and/or the word-group size.

With practice, your reading speed will improve, and so will your writing. And you’ll get more done!

Cnet also reviewed another variation of it: http://www.cnet.com/news/spreed-makes-reading-rss-feeds-faster-stressful/

Would this help YOU? Do you get time these days to read more than just your emails? Join the conversation below…