For decades, scientists believed the average reading rate to be about 300 words per minute, twice the average speaking rate. That was, however, until a new study found that most adults read closer to 240 words in a minute.
Do a word count on the most recent communication you put out into the universe. For instance, your monthly digital newsletter, or leadership message, or success story. How many words is it? One thousand? That will take your constituents just over four minutes to review. Seven hundred? Their time spent drops to just under three minutes.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The average person spends just 8 seconds reading something online before deciding whether or not to hit the delete button.
Those first couple of words in your message better be great. Intelligent. Meaningful. (See my blog about the one-word sentence.)
If you’re still with me, you’ve already given me 38 seconds of your time and attention. Thank you! Make certain you are doing the same for your audiences, both external and internal.
Rather than ranting, make sure to RAVE!
Categories: Content