There are a number of different techniques that are suggested for those who want to know how to increase reading speed. Improving the speed at which you read should be done in such a way that you don’t decrease your comprehension of what you are reading. While you can take in a great deal more information in a much shorter space of time by speed reading, using different techniques at different times will ensure that you don’t miss vital information. On average, someone who is reading at a regular speed will read around 200 words each minute. This can be doubled or even trebled with the right speed reading techniques.

Speed vs Comprehension

When learning how to increase reading speed, the key is to determine what you wish to achieve through speed reading. If the main objective is simply to read a massive amount, with no particular goals in terms of comprehension, then there are some who believe it possible to read tens of thousands of words per minute. However, if you have to do a lot of reading for work or for study, then you know that absorbing the information is also critical to the success of any speed reading that you undertake.

How to Increase Reading Speed

If you want to successfully increase your reading speed to cover and comprehend more information in a shorter space of time, then you may wish to consider the following techniques.

Meta reading – This is one of the simplest ways to increase your reading speed and it is simply done by using an object to direct the eye and to keep focussed on the point you are currently at on the page. Many people often skip back and forth or jump down the page when reading. Even something as simple as following your finger as you read down the page can have a real impact when it comes to increasing reading speed.

Reducing sub-vocalisation – When we learn to read, we learn to spell out and ‘say’ the word in our head and this is known as sub -vocalization. This is another technique you may find useful if you want to know how to increase reading speed. When you visualise the word and take it in without the internal vocalisation, you can really pick up the pace at which you read. Best of all, this is not likely to impact upon your understanding and recall of the subject you’re reading about.

Teaching yourself to speed read

If you are not sure where to start, there are several ways you can learn to speed read. Workshops and courses are one option, however many people find these to be expensive and you may want to achieve results sooner, rather than later. One popular option to learn to speed read is to simply teach yourself, learning how to increase reading speed in your own time and at your own pace. Teaching yourself without any assistance is possible, however it may not give you the guidance and support you need. The alternative is to teach yourself to speed read using a computer program to increase reading speed. There are different techniques covered by various programs, however comprehensive software that offers a range of techniques are likely to bring more success.

When you uncover the secrets of how to increase reading speed, you’ll be able to read and comprehend more information far more quickly. This gives you a head start when you are poring over the books for either work or study, ensuring you achieve higher grades and greater success in your career.