People think there is a magic formula for learning how to read faster and comprehend more. This is a method that can be implemented by the majority of people, but it is not magic. It is simply a matter of following a few basic principles and practicing on a regular basis.
Reading faster can be accomplished by employing a few proven techniques. The first tactic involves eliminating internal pronunciation, also called sub-vocalization. This is the practice in which a person “says” a word inside their head as they are reading. Some people actually move their lips when they are reading because they are focusing so strongly on pronouncing the word correctly.
Another strategy is to reduce looking at every word. Since most people are trying to properly pronounce each word they come across it stands to reason that they are reading every word on the page. This is not always necessary. Many of the items we read, whether it is for work or pleasure, has a lot of irrelevant or unimportant information scattered around the meat of the material. Learning to glance over documents in search of the main points and ideas can greatly increase reading speed.
A skill that goes hand in hand with the glancing method just mentioned is the ability to look at a group of words rather than each individual word. Reading by sentences or blocks of words speeds up the process and greatly reduces time spend on reading.
One of the biggest time wasters is re-reading. Many people read a sentence, a paragraph or a whole page and stumble on some small detail. Then they go back and reread the material trying to determine the detail that the missed or misunderstood. Eliminating re-reading will help save a lot of time.
So why do people re-read in the first place? They are struggling with comprehension as they read. Their mind is focusing on searching for the correct meaning of every word and trying to ensure the sentences are grammatically correct that they are missing the most important information. Developing techniques that help the eyes to flow across the page and grasp the meaning at the same time will help people understand written material much easier. Easier comprehension will help people remember the information much longer.
Along with all the techniques mentioned here is the need for practice. Most mental and physical skills need multiple repetitions before people become comfortable with the skill. Once people are comfortable their confidence increases, encouraging them to move faster through the skill.
Learning how to read faster and comprehend more is a wonderful goal for anyone to pursue. The new found ability can be a real boost on the job, at school or even in their hobbies.
