The ability to read is a skill, and like any skill it will improve with regular practice. One reason that people may find that they have a slower reading speed is that they just don’t spend that much time actually reading. Especially in this day of computer-enhanced searches and short web pages, and cable and satellite channels that provide both information and entertainment, it’s possible that people are getting out of the habit of turning to books for knowledge or fun. It’s been shown that the more people read, the better they are at both reading quickly and with good comprehension, even if they never take the time to focus on improving their reading skills with the techniques and exercises we provide in the 7 Speed Reading program. This holds true for children as well; those children that are first read to by their parents, and then encouraged to read on their own, have a much higher rate of success in school, something that is directly tied to their reading abilities.

If you wanted to learn how to be a good golfer, you wouldn’t wait to pick up a putter until the morning of your game, would you? Instead, you’d spend time playing practice rounds by yourself, or working on your form on the putting green, or being coached by a golf pro at the local club. Through practice, your swings would get smoother and faster, and your accuracy would improve. In the same way, you can work on your reading skills:

You can spend time reading by yourself, and choosing things that you find fun and enjoyable so that it’s not a chore. You don’t have to focus entirely on your reading speed during these sessions, but if you find yourself falling into bad habits (moving your lips, backtracking, etc.) pay attention and try to minimize them.

You can work on your form by identifying the problems you have, like moving your lips when you read, and devote time to eliminating those problems. Sometimes just being aware of what you’re doing wrong is enough to help you overcome the mistakes.

You can work with an expert to give you a structured study program. The 7 Speed Reading program covers the common problems and roadblocks you encounter when trying to increase your reading speed, and provides solutions and exercises to help you eliminate them.

In the end, though, it all comes down to the time you spend reading, whether for school, or work, or just to relax in the evening. Turn off the computer, switch off the television, and pick up a book – you’ll notice the difference quickly!