Media release: World Book Day 2020: Reading for success

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“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” ~ Jim Rohn

World Book Day is celebrated on Thursday, 23 April 2020. Those who love to read are in good company: Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and Elon Musk are just a few of the famous people in modern times who believe in the importance of reading. With the South African lockdown due to the COVID-19 virus ongoing, it provides an opportunity to nurture healthy reading habits. Nalene de Klerk, reputation manager at Reputation Matters, outlines some of the benefits of reading.

1. Reading builds vocabulary.

Whether you are exploring a fictional world or upskilling yourself on new a subject, reading increases our understanding of how elements of language fit together. A solid grasp of grammar, spelling, and punctuation is imperative for effective interpersonal communication. While this is especially important for childhood development at a young age, the use of proper English lends credibility to adult communication, especially in the business worlds.

2. Reading enhances your curiosity and innovation

Reading expands your horizons, helping you to think outside the box. When reading fiction or biographies, you are exposed to other peoples’ world views, heightening your emotional intelligence. Reading non-fiction teaches elements of life and the world that you did not know before. Either way, it helps everyone to find creative solutions to challenges in everyday life and in business.

3. Reading builds knowledge

There is something to be learnt from every book we read. While there is plenty of merit to reading the news to keep ahead of current affairs, books enable us to understand the world in context and in the long term. In the long run, it is also more advantageous to read for self-improvement and education than to read mainly for entertainment. It is this knowledge that gives famous people like Bill Gates an edge in life and in business.

Although the libraries are closed during the lockdown, there are a wealth of ebooks and other digital literature available, including Reputation Matters’ latest ebook. “At Reputation Matters, we are encouraged to read at least one book per month, and with good reason,” says de Klerk. “On this World Book Day, we encourage every person to get into the habit of reading regularly, because well-read individuals help to build a stronger nation.”

For more information on Reputation Matters contact research@reputationmatters.co.za or visit www.reputationmatters.co.za. Follow Reputation Matters on Facebook (@yourreputationmatters) or Twitter (@ReputationIsKey).

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