Speed Reading

Much like reading is a skill so is speed reading as it allows you to read a text much faster, while also improving your levels of comprehension. When it comes to developing this skill though what you are going to need is to learn some of the basic how-to techniques used by speed readers to get to the position they are now.

Previewing
Previewing means that rather than focus on each of the lines in a text you are looking at specific sections of the page and skimming through the material to gain a more basic understanding of the structure and content. For example, to preview a page, you would start by looking at the headings, and subheadings and then you would search the page for any keywords. Finally, you will direct your attention to the summaries and then skim the rest of the content on the page.

Chunking
When learning how to read we are usually taught to read each word while reading a sentence. However, chunking will have you move away from that technique as it will require you to train your eyes to place your focus in larger chunks or saccades rather than individually focusing on every single word. This allows you to start jumping through a text much faster.

Don’t read in your head (or out loud)
When reading the majority of people will use the voice in their head to “speak” the words they are reading. However, if you want to improve the pace with which you read this is a habit that you will need to avoid as it keeps you from speeding through the text.

Use a Pacer
Finally, if you want to have something guiding you forward at any given time when reading then you can try using a pacer. Whether you use a pen your finger or any other gadget a pacer will propel you to continue reading at a speed and to develop a steady reading rhythm.