Speed reading: learn 5 techniques to read faster

Reading at a much higher speed is possible. Do you know Speed Reading?

Speed Reading is the art of silencing subvocalization. Most readers have a reading speed of about 200 words per minute, which is the same speed at which you usually read aloud. The inner voice is what determines this reading speed, and what prevents us from achieving a higher reading speed, as we have been taught to read this way.

However, it is possible to read at a higher speed and with greater accuracy, it is possible to read at a higher speed and with a better comprehension of texts or novels.. The solution is simple: absorb the reading faster than the inner voice thanks to different techniques. For example, follow the reading with your finger so that the reading is faster than it usually is. This happens because it is less difficult for the eye to follow the movement than to read word for word.

What is subvocalization?

As we have already mentioned, one of the most frequent mistakes that are often made when reading is subvocalization. But what is subvocalization? Subvocalization consists of mentally repeating each word as you read.. This is what reduces the reading time and works very badly if you want to save time and be able to read much more.

And why does this happen? Well, because when you subvocalize the reading and mentally repeat the words as you read them, the words captured by your eyes, pass to the acoustic system (i.e. to the ear) and then to the brain. On the other hand, if you eliminate subvocalization, you eliminate the passage of the acoustic system and what you read goes directly from sight to the brain..

Factors that cause a decrease in the speed of reading

Speed reading makes it possible for you to read more reading material. It also allows you more time to read other texts or books you would like to read. As your speed reading skills improve, you will become more skilled at noticing important details in the material you read, and you will be able to retain more material than you would without these techniques.

But it is possible that right now, if you don't know these techniques, you are employing habits that are detrimental to your reading speed. These are one of the factors that negatively influence your ability to read:

• Faulty eye movements, inaccurate eye placement during reading.
• Regression, or rereading material already read.
• Limited perceptual lapses leading to word-for-word reading
• Vocalization, the process of putting sounds to the words you read
• False belief that slow reading leads to better comprehension
• Poor evaluation with respect to the important parts of the reading material
• Lack of concentration

Some speed reading techniques

There are many techniques that can be used for speed reading, and these can be learned in courses or workshops. Knowing these techniques will not only allow you to speed read, but can provide a better quality of life, as your reading, comprehension and retention will improve over time.

First of all, it is important to know that there are different reading techniques for different situations (reading for enjoyment, searching for information, to complete a task, etc.) and, therefore, it is necessary to choose the technique that you need, it is necessary to choose the technique you need depending on the purpose for reading. Here are some of the best known techniques (not all) used for speed reading.

1. Reading preparation and ergonomics

Before using any technique it is necessary that you evaluate the context in which you are going to read and adjust it if necessary.. Sit comfortably in a chair and in a place where you will be able to read without distractions, with your head slightly tilted forward, adjust the light so that it does not tire your eyesight, assume a patient and positive attitude, etc.

If you are going to read from the computer, a tablet or an ebook, make sure your screen is clean, without glare. Adjust the colors of it if necessary, as the best way to see text is to use dark letters on a light background.

2. Use a guide

To read faster, you can use your finger, a ruler or you can use your finger, a ruler or a pencil (or better its eraser) to follow the text. (or better its eraser) to follow the reading under each line. This helps you focus your eyes and the eye has less trouble following the movement than reading word for word.

3. Read the words as a group

This point is important to solve the problem of reading word by word and, in this way, reduce subvocalization. While reading the word, your eyes focus on the word you are reading, which is known as primary focus. Despite this, your eyes can encompass a broader field of visionThis area, which makes up the primary focus, is known as the primary focus. This area, which comprises the primary focus and some distance on either side, is known as the focal field or peripheral vision.

Some people have a focal field of three or four words, others have a wider peripheral vision. This point can be tricky to make, but it just takes practice.

4. Read from the third word

Once you have learned to master the previous point, it is possible to read from the third word at the beginning of the paragraph and end on the third word before the end of the paragraph. Thus the unused peripheral vision is used for the margins..

5. Practice Skimming

The skimming refers to the search for the most important ideas by reading the first and last paragraphs, taking into account other organizational cues, such as summaries, used by the author.

It is useful in the search for information because it helps to identify if the text is of interest, or when reading the newspaper.. In these cases, skimming is performed at a speed three to four times faster than normal reading. In addition, skimming allows to have an initial idea of the text, which helps to read quickly, without having to use regression, i.e. reread again.