5 tips for speed reading
1. Selective read
In order to increase the read speed, try “scan ”the text with your eyes in search of specific information.To do this, you need to: familiarize yourself with the keywords and idea in the text related to the question to the text;quickly scan the text not only from left to right and top to bottom, but in different directions;focus on finding keywords, specific details, names, numbers.
2. Stop subvocalization
Subvocalization is by far the most common factor slowing down reading.Most people read by speaking the words in their heads.This slows down reading to a speech rate, which is usually only about 300 words per minute.Your eyes and brain are able to process words much faster.Try to stop speaking the words and you will double your reading pace.The easiest way to get rid of this habit is to realize it and somehow distract yourself, you can follow the text with your finger, listen to music or chew gum.
3. Skip unnecessary information
The goal is to quickly get a general idea of the content of the text.The text can be analyzed fluently in whole chunks without reading individual words.
There are the following viewing techniques:
- quick viewing of the text without stopping at words or expressions that are unknown or incomprehensible;
- viewing the first and last paragraph of the text, as well as a summary, if any;
- careful reading of only the first sentences of each paragraph, which contain the main idea of the paragraphs.
4. Do not return to the same information
When reading, people tend to turn their eyes back and stopon a word or phrase you just read in order to analyze it or remember it.This slows down the reading speed significantly.In order to get rid of this bad habit, you need to learn to fix the moment when you stop in one place, and try not to concentrate on it.
5. Read more
Reading is a skill that takes time to develop.Reading shouldn't be a race, but if you set goals for the amount you read, you get to spend more time reading.The more books you read, the faster your reading speed becomes.