I never read the study articles before mom studied them with me before the meeting. One of my most amusing memories was when a friend was sleeping over and we were told to study our WT ourselves. We spent a furious 5 minutes hunched over my desk with a pen underlining..
I always read the first article of the awake and as soon as it started getting to the point where every second line was a bible quote I skimmed or skipped until the end. I scan read the other "general interest" articles with the occasional one I was actually interested in being read. I never really read the watchtower at all, save perhaps the life stories.
The best presentation ever if you don't care was given to our cong. by a circuit overseer once.
"The reason I'm calling is to share this article. *read title* Ask what they think. *nod* This article points to the bible's view/solution. *flip to the section that talks about God's promises, hold it out and ask if they would like to read it.*
Rinse and repeat. You don't have to know squat about the article, though I agree thumbing it during the field service group is a good plan.
Mysterious' last time in field service is this friday, if you're still religious pray no one will be home.