Speed reading is a very real and calculable skill, and is a variety of techniques which can help you attain much higher rates of reading without an undesired reduction of comprehension.  Speed reading is a learned subject – over time, you make your eyes and brain work together at a much higher pace than you are accustomed to.

The art of speed reading is quite easy to learn.   Most of us don’t read much faster “in our heads” than we do out loud.  If you are reading at the same speed you can talk then you are not a speed reader.  Learning the skills to read with your eyes and picture the words rather than mouth them is the secret of speed reading.  If you want to learn to speed read it requires that you learn two basic skills and techniques; How to read faster, and how to comprehend and retain what we are reading.

Phrase Reading

The number of stops and starts, or “fixations” your eyes make determine the speed by which you read.  If you are reading only one word at a time and a sentence has sixteen words in it, your eyes are fixating sixteen times. By widening your recognition to span two words at a time you have cut the fixations in half to eight. Taking in three words at a time cuts the fixations to six. The more words your eyes can absorb with each fixation, the more you cut the reading time. Obviously this is the key to you need to know if you want to learn to speed read.  As you move your eyes across the page fixate on three or four words at a time, then move to the next few words, fixate on these words, and continue across the page.   Practice is the key to becoming a speed reader.  The more you read this way the easier it becomes and the faster you will read.  Practice this speed reading technique repeatedly until you feel comfortable that you understand and can accomplish the technique. Soon the skills you are learning will become a part of your every day routine, and you will be thrilled with how fast you can read while still comprehending and retaining what you are reading.

Concentration

One of the most important aspects of speed reading is concentration. You must not let your thoughts wander while your eyes are fixating, and your mind must be fully engaged. Your eyes will not transmit clear images to your mind if your concentration wavers, resulting in a lack of attention called a regression.   A reader who cast their eyes back a word or two fearing they missed something has regressed.  This can be a habitual habit and is a killer to reading faster, because it slows the pace.  Unless you concentrate and keep your mind engaged these regressions can continue.   Learning  some time management strategies and how to concentrate effectively is another key to becoming a speed reader and one of many ways to improve memory.

Learn How To Read Faster