There are a number of advantages to speed reading, but the greatest advantage of knowing how to speed read is that a much greater amount of information to be absorbed in a significantly reduced time. Using a range of different techniques, the reader can quickly increase their knowledge of a subject, which can be extremely useful whether speed reading for work or for study.
What is speed reading?
Speed reading is the use of one or more techniques to dramatically increase the number of words that you can read per minute. The average reader can cover approximately 200 words per minute, but with speed reading techniques, this can increase to 400 or even 600 words per minute or more. The trick with speed reading is to balance speed with comprehension, as ultimately, the extra words taken in need to be comprehended to have been of any real usefulness.
The following are some of the keys to successfully learning to speed read:
Reducing sub-vocalisation – The term sub-vocalization refers to the way that we ‘say’ the word in our heads while we are reading. When you reduce the amount of sub-vocalising you do while reading, you’ll speed up the pace you read at, without decreasing your level of comprehension of a given subject.
Sweep (Skim reading) – The term sweep reading refers to actively skimming the content of the book or document you are reading. This process involves drawing out the key points of the text and honing your focus on the most important points of the text. If care is not taken when doing, the downside is that it important points may be missed.
Meta reading – When discussing how to speed read, the term meta reading refers to the use of an object to direct the eye to where you want to read. This could be simply using your finger to guide you through a passage you are reading, or it may involved the use of a ruler or piece of card to guide you as you read down a page.
Options for learning to speed read
When learning how to speed read there are two main options that you may chose between. The first option is to undertake a speed reading course. Doing a speed reading course or workshop may be one option to help you to increase your reading speed while still retaining and comprehending the information you need from reading. Prices can vary considerably if you decide to undertake one of these courses, and the content covered can vary quite significantly from one to the next.
Computer based programs that teach you how to speed read are also quite varied, so it pays to understand the different techniques that can be combined to successfully speed read. Some programs only offer a few options, but the most comprehensive programs will cover a range of speed reading techniques. Shop around for a program that covers a greater number of techniques, the final outcome will be that you know how to speed read more successfully.
Knowing how to speed read gives you an edge. You learn and retain more information far more quickly than other students and employees. That in turn means you fulfil your goals and reach your potential with more ease than other co-workers or students how lack the same knowledge of speed reading.
