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Speed reading is turning into a more invaluable skill each day. Through computers and electronic communication, we’ve virtually lessened the need for pen, paper and printed materials from our lives. The ability to read fast and well is not really an outmoded idea. Instead of the Internet reducing the amount of reading we do, it has resulted in reading being a central part of the average person’s day. Imagine how much more productive and informed you will be if you learned to read at double or triple your present rate? There are numerous methods of learning to speed read, but the best are based on one of two basic methods, or a combination thereof.
Skimming is the technique of scanning through text and picking out the pertinent information. The vast majority of people will do this without thinking, particularly when browsing the Web. When you are skimming, you are at risk of misunderstandings and to missing out on details that may turn out to be crucial. Speed reading programs and strategies utilizing skimming focus on teaching you how to — on the fly — figure out which words or sentences are irrelevant.
Chunking is a mental discipline that calls for the mind to identify word groups as opposed to words. In school we are taught to read our words in order, one at a time, as they go across each page. Your brain then connects the sequence to determine the meaning of the sentence. Many brains, though, learn to distinguish common phrases they see frequently as a single word or meaning, not having to read the words separately. Chunking enables the reader to absorb new phrases and word combinations similarly.
There are many different speed reading program variations. They are typically taught through book or a computer program. The majorities are spins on chunking and skimming, but may provide you with special learning methods that draw in different brain types. These approaches of teaching speed reading are usually better than self-learning. Go with a program having moderate, plausible learning goals. Nearly all individuals can achieve reading speeds of just under 10 words per second with practice. If a program is promising you something significantly more than 1,000 words per minute, be aware that these reading speeds are hype based on unique individuals. For the majority of people, around 100% comprehension is of greater importance in any case. You don’t need to study to learn how to turn pages or scroll before you understand copy.
It is possible to teach yourself to speed read, but it is far more intensive. This doesn’t suggest that there is no value in practicing skimming and chunking for fun. Most people are not going to get better without constant speed reading practice. You need to practice in order to increase your rate of recognition and improve your reading flow. Almost all programs accomplish this by moving text across the screen at an increasing rate causing the reader to process information more quickly. You may be able to mirror this at home with movements of your mouse or by using a timer to turn your pages.
If you want to learn how to speed read, perseverance really is the key ingredient. Whatever method you opt for it will take time to develop the skill, and require constant practice to maintain it.
