Increase Reading Speed Effectively

By Zoe Smith


Some people mistakenly assume that speed reading is relegated to students pressured to read all pertinent information before that critical exam. Well, many times this has been the savior of many a light hearted student but make no mistake-speed reading has a wider scope than that. It is an invaluable skill that will allow you to retain a larger volume of knowledge in a shorter amount of time-a quality many progressive companies are looking for in individuals. Here are some great tips on how to increase reading speed that will help propel you to excel professionally.

Before you start, gather the materials you need to read and ascertain what you want to get out of it. If it is only a general outline of the document, then you can simply skim over the material and gloss over the less important details. However, if you need to really understand what you're reading, then you have to use a slower pace. Newspapers, novels and magazines can be read quickly; but legal papers, poetry and technical documents should be carefully examined.

Many people find that they can accomplish more when they read early in the day. Of course this may not apply to everybody-but for the most part, you will have greater concentration and better comprehension during the day than at night. If you read when your concentration is at its peak, then you will not have to go over some things you may not have understood, resulting in further delay.

Another excellent tip on how to increase reading speed is by reading in a conducive environment. This means that you go and find a quiet place away from incessant noise and distractions. If you are planning to study and read, mark a time and place to do it and don't let other tasks interrupt you from your plan. Reading at a 45 degree angle sitting down will reduce eyestrain as well as keep your mind more alert.

Preview the data you have to read. If you need to read an educational resource, start reading the table of contents and then the chapter summary of the essential chapters. Give the bulk of your attention to the key ideas of the text and skim through the less than relevant details. The key element in effective speed reading is to know what the meat of the matter is and only scan through the rest of the details.

For people who are seriously interested in enhancing their skills in this aspect, you can use a speed reading software to aid you in this endeavor. A person doesn't read a material word per word; usually we read it in blocks of words at a time. A good speed reading software increases the number of words you read in each block, as well as decrease the amount of time spent in going over these blocks.

When you successfully learn the basics of speed reading and begin to use it, you will be better adept in discriminating for essential information, thereby improving your over-all performance at work. It is an underestimated and invaluable tool that is worth investing your time and effort in today.




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