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When I was a little girl still in kindergarten, I was more of an introvert because I didn't know how to handle a conversation with anyone, not even my age mate. It was so difficult for me to answer questions in class as I grew older and moved to higher classes.
One day a very nice teacher of mine who noticed that I don't speak in class, drew me closer during the break period when all the other students were out to play and talked some sense into me. She asked me how often I read.
I couldn't answer the question, not like I didn't know the answer but I felt if I said anything, I'd speak blunders. I preferred to be quiet and punished than speak up and get embarrassed but she told me it was okay and that I should be free to say whatever it is I wanted to say. She asked me to believe in myself and that was it I didn't know when I started talking. I wasn't the type to read anything but my school books only when I was given a take home assignment.
That day, she said something that stuck to my brain and till today I've been unable to forget it. She actually used an adult for the illustration tho and yes I wasn't bothered because in grade 6, I was already seeing myself as a big girl but one who couldn't speak up for herself so I didn't have a problem with her using an adult, I'm even glad she did because it helped shape my life. I'll quote her speech just the way she said it;
"Do you know that Theodore Roosevelt read an average of one book per day even on days when he was busy being the president"?.
Those words got to me. Being the president of a whole country with millions of people in it is definitely a lot of work. If he had so much work to do at that time as president but still squeezed in time to cover a book then I didn't know what I was doing with my life.
She asked me to keep that in mind and till today it's refused to escape my memory. Ever since, I tried my best to read and I figured that the more books I read, the likelier I was able to understand a lot of things.
Reading to me is the best exercise for the brain, it aids in building vocabulary and of course neighbor's would never tell you "your book is too loud" when you're indoors expanding your knowledge.
I became a better conversationalist by reading. I didn't limit myself to the books given to me in school but I went as far as reading books that were gonna open my eyes to the reality of this world.
It's fun reading as long as you make it a habit. Many people find it really difficult to read, they see it as stress but I challenge you to get yourself a classic book today, you'll thank me later.
If you're trying to build your vocabulary, get a book today and read. Read more often, your brain will thank you and you'll be even more proud of yourself.