The Power of Audio Books

Readers lead and leaders read – Unknown

“Did you really read all those books?” She asked, referring to my Amazon reading list on LinkedIn. “Yes. In fact, I read most of them several times and that’s far from the complete list.” She gave me a look that suggested she did not believe me and went on her way. Clearly, she did not understand the power of audiobooks.

I believe leaders read and readers lead. It helps that my commute has ranged from 45 to 90 minutes, each way, for the last 8 years. These long commutes offered great “reading” time. However, it does not require a long commute to consume audio books. My veracious appetite for books now has me listening to audio books everywhere.

Audio Books can be Read Anywhere

1. In the car

2. In the shower

3. Cleaning the house

4. Doing laundry

5. Running or other exercise

How Audio Books Help You Learn More Than Traditional Books

My process for listening to audio books helps me consume more material and remember it better than I would a traditional book. Here’s how I do it:

1. Listen Quickly: My first listen to a book is simply to determine the quality. If I’m really uncertain a book is worth reading (rare), I may even listen to it at double speed (an option in most MP3 players). If I didn’t catch enough value in the book, that’s it. I put it away and likely never reference it again. I also do not review, share or recommend any books that do not make it to step 2.

2. Listen Carefully: If the first read was good, I listen to it a second time. During the second listen, I often pause it, take notes and / or share tweets and quotes on ModernServantLeader.com. Following a second listen of the audio book, I find I retain more than a single reading of a traditional book.

3. Reference Later: Because I have it on audio, with all the great tools below and listening opportunities above, I frequently listen to the best audio books 3 or more times. In fact, I will listen to an audio book again whenever relevant – such as if I am struggling with an issue at work or a coworker asks a relevant question.

Tools to Simplify Your Reading Experience:

The more simple and accessible you make your audio book listening experience, the quicker you will consume a library. To simplify and maximize your audio book consumption, here are the tools I use and recommend.

1. iPhone: Of course, any smartphone will do. The key is to combine your phone and audio player. It saves you the nuisannce of carrying an extra device everywhere you go.

2. Bluetooth ear piece: I currently use the Jawbone Era – it enables me to be hands free all the time and listen everywhere I go.

3. Bluetooth car speaker: Our car has one built-in, as do many newer models. If your car does not, you can purchase a good one for under $50.

4. Powered speakers in the bathroom: The shower gets pretty loud. A little extra power for your speakers will ensure you can hear the audio over the water.

5. iPhone arm band: Whatever smartphone you use, have a sports band so you can listen during exercise.

So, yes, I did read all those books and many more. You can too. Reading more will help you lead better. To get there, try an audio book, the right tools and the right process.

Question: Have you found better tools or techniques for audio books?