Speed Reading: What is slowing you down?

Before learning how to read faster, we think it is more important that you learn how not to read faster. Below you will find some of the main causes that are keeping you from reaching the reading speeds that you would like to attain. We’ll go into some detail on how to beat them immediately, but further on in the book you will learn the entire method to knocking these bad habits out completely.

Distractions – If you want to get the most out of your reading time, it is best to go to a quiet place where you will be distraction free and can focus. Turn off your cell phone and make sure that you’ve gone to the bathroom. Find a well lit room and that you are holding the book at a distance that you can see all of the words without strain. We also recommend using earplugs or listening to classical music or white noise.

Poor Mechanics – Underline the words as you read with your fingertips, and try to minimize the time spent between lines. As you get towards the end of the page, get your hand ready to turn to the next. Angling the book towards you will also help you reduce neck strain and create a more natural and comfortable feel for your reading. A bookstand or stack of books angles the book perfectly.

Single Word Focus – When we learn how to read, we start by sounding out each individual syllable of the word struggling until we can recognize words instantly. It is possible to read multiple words in one glance, and is one of the main skills you will learn in speed reading. By Multi-Word Focusing, you will not lose any of the comprehension of reading single words; rather these groups of words will help you get a better understanding of the material as it creates a much more fluid reading experience.

Reading Out Loud (In your head) – Everyone learns to read by reading out loud, and while most have us have learned to keep the noise inside our head, not as many have learned to quiet out the sound completely. When you read in your head and vocalize each word, you can only read as fast as you can talk. Your eyes and brain can work much quicker than that. By learning to cancel out the reading voice in your head, you can reach reading speeds that most people only dream of.

Rereading – It is estimated that one quarter of the time spent reading is actually spent rereading. That means that for every hour you spend with the book in your hand, you are actually only receiving 45 minutes of benefit. By learning how to stop your natural urge to reread, and having the confidence to trust yourself, you will get much more out of every minute spent reading.