How To Write For The Skimming Reader

Submitted By: Jane Sumerset
Not everyone who reads your writing will give it the same attention that you laboriously throw its way. In fact, most people I know are so pressed for time that they tend to skim through many of the stuff they read daily. They skim through news items, magazine articles, emails and whatever else you can imagine.

Just because they’re not as enthused about focusing intently on your writing doesn’t mean they’re not interested. For many people, that’s really all the additional sensory input they can take for the day (information overload is very real); for some, it’s all they can really afford to do with all the chatter of a busy day; for others, they just don’t like reading – but they’re a little interested in what you have to say.

It is true that there are a lot of people who skims while reading. They usually do it especially if they are not interested with the topic, if they didn’t find the necessary information they’re looking for or if they have no time to read the whole text.

This challenges the writer more. This is something that every writer needs to focus their attention to. It can be a pressure in their part especially if they had tried their best and it seems that all their effort suddenly fails. This task is not more on writing down the words together and to make it a complete idea together with a series of complete thoughts. Somehow, a writer needs to be creative in his own views and thinks broadly on how to catch his reader’s attention. The key here is to write clearly so that your reader’s will eventually understand the topic more.

While some writers will tell you to fashion your pieces for the serious reader, I am less so inclined. In fact, if you write your material well enough (apart from using a good writing software, of course) that even the “skimmer” can benefit from it, imagine how much easier of a time you’ll be providing to your “serious” reader. Instead of creating a complex text that requires undivided attention, you turn up a lighter piece that people can easily digest – that’s the hallmark of good writing.

If you want to write this way, here are a few tricks of the trade:

•Use a descriptive headline. Some headlines only make sense once you get halfway through the piece – avoid that. Make sure yours clearly provides the reader with enough context to know, in some way, what to expect.

•Use items and lists as often as you can.

•Use descriptive headings and subheadings. If the reader can glean what the paragraphs contain directly from it, all the better.

•Use short paragraphs with, preferably, two or three sentences each.

•Lead off paragraphs with short sentences that summarize what’s about to follow.

•Offer the important facts up front. If they make sense, integrate the main ideas of your text in your introduction. Make sure they’re clearly featured in your conclusion as well.

Skimming and Scanning

Easier - There are different styles of reading for different situations. The technique you choose will depend on the purpose for reading. For example, you might be reading for enjoyment, information, or to complete a task. If you are exploring or reviewing, you might skim a document. If you're searching for information, you might scan for a particular word. To get detailed information, you might use a technique such as SQ4R. You need to adjust your reading speed and technique depending on your purpose.

Many people consider skimming and scanning search techniques rather than reading strategies. However when reading large volumes of information, they may be more practical than reading. For example, you might be searching for specific information, looking for clues, or reviewing information.

Harder - Web pages, novels, textbooks, manuals, magazines, newspapers, and mail are just a few of the things that people read every day. Effective and efficient readers learn to use many styles of reading for different purposes. Skimming, scanning, and critical reading are different styles of reading and information processing.

Skimming is used to quickly identify the main ideas of a text. When you read the newspaper, you're probably not reading it word-by-word, instead you're scanning the text. Skimming is done at a speed three to four times faster than normal reading. People often skim when they have lots of material to read in a limited amount of time. Use skimming when you want to see if an article may be of interest in your research.

There are many strategies that can be used when skimming. Some people read the first and last paragraphs using headings, summarizes and other organizers as they move down the page or screen. You might read the title, subtitles, subheading, and illustrations. Consider reading the first sentence of each paragraph. This technique is useful when you're seeking specific information rather than reading for comprehension. Skimming works well to find dates, names, and places. It might be used to review graphs, tables, and charts.

Scanning is a technique you often use when looking up a word in the telephone book or dictionary. You search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases. Scanning is also used when you first find a resource to determine whether it will answer your questions. Once you've scanned the document, you might go back and skim it.

When scanning, look for the author's use of organizers such as numbers, letters, steps, or the words, first, second, or next. Look for words that are bold faced, italics, or in a different font size, style, or color. Sometimes the author will put key ideas in the margin.

Reading off a computer screen has become a growing concern. Research shows that people have more difficulty reading off a computer screen than off paper. Although they can read and comprehend at the same rate as paper, skimming on the computer is much slower than on paper.

Credit: http://42explore.com

Skimming Credit Card

Submitted By: Zack Nelson

All technological marvels have their drawbacks and this is true of credit cards too. One form of credit card fraud is skimming or making copies of information stored on credit cards. Every time your credit card leaves your hands, it becomes vulnerable to skimming.

Skimming In Public Places

Skimming usually takes place in a retail store, restaurant or a shop. A dishonest waiter or cashier may swipe your credit card for payment and then swipe it again with a skimmer. This is a small pager-sized device with a slot, which can be easily purchased over the Internet. It rapidly records the information stored on the credit card’s magnetic strip. This information is passed onto thieves who paste it onto counterfeit credit cards. Your money is now in their hands. The only way to prevent this is to keep a close watch on your credit card.

Skimming also takes place at ATMs, especially in less-supervised non-bank areas like malls. They are set up for skimming before your arrival. It could be a plastic sheet inserted inside the slot, which prevents the machine from reading your card. A small camera fitted on the ATM records your PIN number while you try repeatedly to access your account. You leave believing that the ATM has swallowed your card. The thief turns up and takes your card and the camera. He can now withdraw large amounts from your account.

A superior technique allows you to withdraw cash but a camera records your PIN number while a skimmer inside the ATM reads your credit card.

How To Avoid Skimming

To reduce skimming-related risks, simply walk away if you find anything suspicious about the ATM. If the machine swallows your card, report it immediately.

Apart from these measures, always check your credit card statements carefully for surprise purchases. Keep low credit limits to minimize losses. Tear up all receipts, slips and statements after using them, preferably with a shredder. Credit card companies are also vigilant. They usually ring up customers immediately if they find unusual purchasing patterns. Newer technologies in credit cards and ATM machines also make skimming impossible. However, the changes are not yet universal. Till then, keep your eyes on your credit card.