to read and I would recommend it to anyone. Read, read, read, read, read. Those of you who ask for reading suggestions may find the AoM Essential Library to be a helpful list. Indeed, the quality of the literature, not the quantity, one consumes ought to hold primacy of place. Never read without a pencil or pen. While reading great (an example of an overused word which I use very specifically here) works, mark interesting words and phrases, and comment to yourself, or to the author, in the margins. I make a list of unknown words on a blank page at the back of a book, include the page number and study these. Of course, use separate paper if you take advantage of the often disregarded cornerstone of western civilization: the library! I really agree with a lot of these points. Ever since I started my own blog, I have spent a lot more time researching, reading, and writing. In performing these practices, my vocabulary has become much more robust. I have even started using an online dictionary when I want to use a word but am unsure of its context. I may need to take a hint from this post and start a vocabulary notebook, that sounds like such a great idea for tangible study. This is a valuable skill to have when conveying a message in written and oral form. Thanks for the post and pointers! I teach a course called "Introduction to Broadcast Announcing" to adult learners