Basic Speed Reading Techniques

Using speed reading techniques can actually improve comprehension! One may think that by reading slowly, word for word, you are surely not going to miss any important information, but in fact the opposite is true. By reading slowly, the objective of the sentence or paragraph is often missed.

There are many techniques that can help increase your reading speed. One of the common techniques used is to read following your finger. You may feel as if this is taking you back to grade school, but instead of using your finger to point out the word, you will use it to lead your reading at a speedy-pace. Use your other hand to turn the pages. Practice this technique without reading at first, concentrating only on the movement of your arms and hands. Once you are comfortable with the movement, start reading and gradually increase the pace of your finger, forcing yourself to read faster.

Another aspect that could improve your speed reading technique is to stop sub-vocalizing. When we were taught to read, we had to sound out the words with our mouths - and some of us are still doing it! Maybe you don't say the words out loud or even move your lips any more, but we still read to ourselves in our heads. Try to let your eyes take in the information without the help of your mouth and ears.

In using peripheral vision it is possible to read on both sides of the page while your focus remains in the centre. Pretend that there is an invisible line down the middle of the writing and allow yourself to absorb the information on both sides without actually looking directly at each of the words. It is worth the effort to practice this technique as it will greatly increase the speed at which you read.

Vital to the process of learning and reading is to know the importance of key words. Key words are the only important words in the paragraph. The other 40 - 60 % are unnecessary for you to be able to understand the writing. If they weren't there the paragraph would still convey it's meaning with only the key words.

If there is something you must read, set yourself a realistic time goal for how fast you will read it. For example, completing 100 pages in the next hour. This will, of course, depend on the individual and his current ability, but in practicing speed reading techniques he will soon be able to set higher goals. Make every effort to stick to the set time goal. Focus, concentrate and make sure you are somewhere where you will not be disturbed.

These are only some of the simple techniques that anyone can practice. Speed reading books offer many more possibilities and it is up to you to choose the technique that is most suitable for your purposes, however, you must be careful. Some "Mental Photography" tricks are nothing more than trickery, and should not be utilized for general practice.