Speed Reading - Become an Impatient Reader

Speed readers are considered impatient readers. They read with a purpose and want to find answers immediately. They can’t wait to find out what the whole text is all about that they usually make predictions and guess the answers.

Some readers say, "If I think ahead while I am reading, my predictions may be wrong."

The truth is, predicting is useful because all your concentration is focused on the reading and you are actually making senses of it. Speed readers predict what the text is likely to tell them next, but they are not upset if a prediction is wrong, they quickly adjust their expectations.

Different Speeds for Different Material

You do not need to read every word to understand a text; however some texts will require careful reading, so you need to know when to adjust your reading speed. Skim a text, and then decide if a slower reading approach is necessary.

Speed Reading Practice Activity

In order to avoid reading every word you must increase the rate your eyes move across the page. As a practice activity, choose an easy material for to read. Sweep your eyes faster across the page than you’ve ever done before. Do not mouth the words; do not even mentally say them. Start with short practice periods, e.g. 3 minutes, record your rate (how many words have you read in 3 minutes?), and then continue with longer period of time or more complicated texts.

The First Steps in Speed Reading

Your starting position and reading gesture is important. You should sit up straight, hold the book down with your left hand, and use your right hand to do the pacing.

Being a good reader before is a plus factor in attempting to speed read. Otherwise, it may be quite difficult and may take some time. Speed reading program will not work if you have problems in comprehension and vocabulary. In fact, it may hurt you to try to rush through stuff that you can't comprehend. Yes, you may be able to read fast, but you just won’t understand what you have read. At least, you should have the basics down already first.

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