Go like Silk
Read like Silk
Flow through texts
with the ease of silk.
Go like Silk
Table of contents
- What we do
- What will change
- What to expect
- Where it is
- What it costs
- Please note
- Dates and registration
What we do
We all need to read and understand written texts. Yet, many of us shy away from them, for a number of different reasons. How can we overcome this reluctance? Reading is like talking – to understand what someone has written, we need to engage with them and at the same time be aware of our own communication goals. When we Read like Silk, we no longer feel uneasy about reading texts and learn to trust in our ability to understand them.
Together, we ask questions such as:
- How can I overcome resistance to reading texts related to work and other domains?
- How can I read and understand written documents, academic texts, official information and forms thoroughly and efficiently?
- How can I know what a text expects and wants from me?
- What additional information do I need to react appropriately to messages expressed indirectly in written communication?
- How can I engage confidently and successfully with written communication coming from superiors, colleagues, business partners and clients?
Here are a couple of answers: Reading is a relational process. All texts have been written by people with specific wishes, expectations and assumptions. When we read, we want to find out what someone wants to tell us. We bring our own wishes, expectations and assumptions to the words we read. The words are not just marks on a page; they affect our thoughts, feelings and actions.
Silk glides smoothly even over rough patches. When we approach reading as a relational process, we can flow through texts like silk.
The workshop in German focuses on conventions in written professional and official communication in Austria. The workshop in English concentrates on the variety of texts used in global (specialist) communication and academic publications as well as e-mails written in international contexts.
Please note that our workshops are not suitable for complete beginners. To participate, you need to be able to speak and understand the language of the workshop on at least a basic level. This means understanding what we say and talking to the others in the group.
What will change?
When you’ve learned how to Read like Silk:
- You will no longer worry about understanding what you read. You will know that you will be able to make sense of it.
- Official documents will no longer seem confusing. You will have the tools to analyse what they are about.
- You will no longer trip over unexpected words and phrases. You will apply practical reading and comprehension strategies.
- You will not regard written communication as a confrontation. You will read fluently and with confidence
What to expect
Read like Silk runs for two (consecutive) days.
- Day 1: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Day 2: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
This includes two 15-minute coffee breaks and one 60-minute lunch break per day.
We will …
- speak to each other in the group
- work with various types of authentic texts
- apply practical reading techniques
- identify common comprehension problems
- discuss empowerment strategies for written communication
We will not …
- practice reading out loud
- learn words by heart
- see who can read the fastest
- do exams
- sit still and stare at PowerPoint slides
The workshop is held by both Michèle and Michael with 6 to 10 participants. Upon completion of the workshop, you will receive a certificate on paper confirming your successful participation.
Where it is
For Read like Silk, we invite you to our office in Vienna, Austria.
Nussdorfer Strasse 20/12
1090 Vienna
You can reach us via the lines 5, 33, 37, 38 and 40A (stop “Nußdorfer Straße / Alserbachstraße”). The train station Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof (lines R40, REX41, REX4, S40 and D) is about 7 minutes (on foot) away. There are several parking garages within a walking distance of 10 minutes.
If you would like us to bring Read like Silk directly to your company or organisation, please get in touch. At present, we do not offer online coaching.
What it costs
Price for 2-day workshop per person: €1,130 plus 20 % VAT
The price includes:
- your personal piece of silk so you can continue to practice flowing at home
- a Go like Silk box also useful for storing the silk
- “How to Go like Silk” folder with summary and further reading recommendations
- coffee, tea and non-alcoholic drinks when the workshop is held at our office
- your certificate upon completion of the workshop
We offer a reduced rate of €650 plus 20 % VAT for students, people doing their military service or Zivildienst as well as others on a reduced income.
We would like to offer our services to everyone who wants to learn more about Kindness Communication. If our regular prices exceed your financial resources, please get in touch with us. We wish to find a solution that works for us and for you.
Please note
Please note our terms and conditions for participating and our information on accessibility.
Dates and registration
We offer Read like Silk on request for you, your company or organisation. If you would like to arrange individual dates, please get in touch.
To be fluent means to flow.
Go like Silk