Shashi Tharoor, a politician, author, and former diplomat, is well-known for his incredible vocabulary and command of the English language. His ability to use complex, long, and rare words in everyday conversations has made him famous among language lovers. His speeches and writings often introduce people to new words, sparking both admiration and curiosity amongst the people. But how did he develop such a rich vocabulary? The answer is simple: Reading.
Shashi’s secret to a strong vocabulary: Read, Read, Read!In an old video shared on his Instagram, Tharoor gave his top tip for improving vocabulary, addressing the audience he said, "Read, that's the only way I acquired a vocabulary." He addressed a common misconception about him, saying, "People think that I'm some sort of nutcase who studies dictionaries all day long. I have barely opened a dictionary in my life, but I have read extensively."
According to him, the best way to understand and remember words is to see them used in different contexts. "And if you read widely, you read extensively, and you come across the same word in three different contexts and three different books, you'll understand the meaning and the usage very quickly."
Tharoor’s childhood was full of booksTharoor also shared how his childhood played a big role in shaping his vocabulary. "I lived in an India without television, without computers, without Nintendo, without PlayStation, and without mobile phones." As an asthmatic child, he was often confined to bed and turned to books for both escape and learning. "All I had were books, books for my escape, books for my education. And because I read, and I read above my age level, and I read anything I could get my hands on, I developed the kind of mind that God has now blessed me with, and I acquired the vocabulary that comes with it."
His advice is straightforward and effective, "So my only advice to all of you is read, read, read. The more you read, the better your vocabulary will also be."
Why is reading the best way to learn new words?It’s much easier to learn vocabulary from books than by memorising words from a dictionary. When you see words used naturally in a sentence, they make more sense, and you are more likely to remember them. But reading isn’t just about improving vocabulary, it offers many other benefits too!
Helps you understand others betterReading different kinds of books, especially fiction, helps improve empathy. When you read stories about other people’s lives, you start to see the world through their eyes. This is called the ‘theory of mind’- the ability to understand that other people have their own thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. This skill helps you relate to others and be more compassionate in real life.
Reduces stress and helps you sleepLife can be stressful, but reading can help. A study by the University of Sussex found that reading can lower stress levels by up to 68%. When you get lost in a book, your mind relaxes, giving you a break from daily worries. Reading before bed can also help you sleep better. Unlike screens, which can keep you awake, books help your body know it’s time to rest. Making reading part of your bedtime routine can improve your sleep quality.
Boosts your brain powerReading is like exercise for your brain. It improves memory and strengthens your ability to focus. When you read, your brain creates new connections, helping you retain information better. Studies show that older people who read regularly are 32% less likely to experience mental decline. A lifetime of reading can even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Expands your knowledgeThese days, a lot of people use short videos or brief internet searches to find out about something. But books give you detailed, in-depth knowledge that you can't necessarily find from a five-minute video. Reading gives you the ability to really comprehend a subject, whether history, science, or a new language. Videos can be helpful, but books are the best means of actually becoming an expert on a topic.
You don’t have to make big changes to become a reader. Just 15-20 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Choose books that interest you, and make reading a part of your daily routine. Over time, you’ll see improvements not just in your vocabulary but in your overall thinking and understanding of the world.