Beginner's Guide to Speed Reading

By Kathy Glee

Speed reading is a combination of methods one can adopt to increase the reading speed and in the process improve reading comprehension as well. The methods one adopts helps break the normal habit of reading and introduces to a faster reading pace. The normal reading habit is to read aloud or sub-vocalization and re-reading. Any method that helps one do away with these two habits will help improve the reading speed.

There is as such no clear distinction between the methods used for normal reading and speed reading. Speed reading mainly focuses on doing away with sub-vocalization, understanding the sentence merely by reading one or two key words and by skimming some information.

How to speed read

There are various ways of getting started. Some are described below:

1. Self start - Getting on to the platform of speed readers by starting to read at a faster pace than usual and then improving by constant practice
2. Self help material - Course material or tapes which will guide through the entire process
3. Seminars or classes - Speed reading courses help you understand your current reading speed and then trains you to improve it
4. Software - The easiest way to get started is to take help of a software program that will help you get established as a speed reader

Any method you adopt to get started should have some basic features.

1. Understand your reading speed and then gradually migrating to a higher speed
2. Conduct reading comprehension tests at frequent intervals to measure progress
3. A good mix of reading materials to help you read at a constant pace through all types of reading matter
4. Incorporate some methods to improve memory and information retention
5. Perform Speed tests to track progress

If you are planning to get started on your own, the simplest way is to have a book mark to guide you. Keep moving the book mark down at a pace greater than your reading speed. The book mark will move down faster than your eyes and focus on moving your eyes at the pace of the book mark.

Another way is to use your finger to guide you through the words in a similar way as the book mark. Yet another technique is to cover the words read with a paper at a pace slightly greater than your reading speed. The idea is to read the words before it gets covered up.

Whatever be the method, speed reading can be mastered and improved only by practice. You will not improve your reading speed dramatically in the first attempt. These simple methods can help you improve your reading speed considerably in about four to five sessions.

Before you get started with any technique, be sure to check your eye sight and lay hands on some good reading material. It is a good idea to get started in a serene place so that your focus is on reading and nothing else. Be sure to have patience and remember Rome was not built in a day.

If you're interested in learning more about speed reading, and reading comprehension, then sign up for my free Speed Reading Newsletter. Super-useful time-saving tips will be emailed directly to your inbox 3x a week. It's quick and easy to sign up, and it's absolutely free! Click here: http://www.speedreadingisreal.com/

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