Self-Pacing Techniques in Speed Reading

Speed reading is not a big incomprehensible subject. Professional speed reading classes mainly teach a handful of quick methods that help a person focus his or her attention better. The eye is drawn to movement. Speed reading methods put that motion on the material being read.

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

You should already be an able reader before you try to speed read. Speed reading will not help you if you have problems in understanding the meaning of the words. In fact, it may be fruitless for you to try to rush through things that you can't comprehend. You should have the basics down already first.

Before you start speed reading, you should do a survey of the data first and foremost to get a general idea of what you will be undertaking and of the type of writing.  The self-pacing methods below used in speed reading can help in increasing one’s focus and understanding. They can also help in breaking one’s habit of reading and reading again.

The Hand Speed Reading Technique

The first technique is to simply place your right hand on the page and slowly move it straight down the page, drawing your eyes down as you read. Keep an equal, gradual motion, as if your right hand has its own free will. Your eyes may not be exactly where your hand is, but this simple movement will allow you to go faster. Don't start, read a little, stop, read a little, start, read a little. Keep the movement slow and easy. Only do it once per page. If you are "left-handed" use your left hand as the dominant pacing hand.

The Finger Speed Reading Technique

Lift your fingers and make two even bounces on each line. Each time you bounce, you are ought to be making a fixation of about sets of 3-4 words. This should be done with a balance arm muscle and not just wiggling the wrist.

The Card Speed Reading Technique

The next method is to utilize a card or a folded-up piece of paper on top of  the line of print to block the words after you read them. Move it down the page slowly and evenly and try to read the lines before you cover the words up. This helps break you of the habit of reading and reading a line of text over and over again. It helps you pay more attention the first time. Be sure to push the card down quicker than you think you can go. Slide the card down once per page.

The Sweep Speed Reading Technique

Another tactic is to use your hand to help draw your eyes across the page. Slightly cup your right hand. Keep your fingers together. With a very loose and fluid motion, sweep your fingers from left to right, underlining the line with the tip of your tallest finger from about an inch in and an inch out on each line. Use your whole arm to move, balancing on your arm muscle. Imagine that you are dusting off dirt from the page.

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