Are you attempting to complete a novel before the associated film is released? Or perhaps you're behind on your required academic readings? Maybe today’s situation involves an overwhelming number of work-related emails that you need to power through efficiently by improving your reading speed without compromising comprehension.
Although this ability may appear to be a superpower possessed solely by Kyle XY from the show, the positive side is that you can develop your skills to read more quickly and retain comprehension. Below are some suggestions that could assist you in reaching this goal.
1) Cease vocalizing the text internally.
Many of us read the way we were taught in primary school — by sounding out each word in our heads. This is called subvocalisation, and it slows you down a lot. Try to break this habit by focusing on phrases instead of individual words.
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2) Utilize your finger or a pen to direct your gaze.
It might sound juvenile, but it really works. Placing your finger or a pen beneath the line of text you're reading can aid your eyes in moving more swiftly and staying concentrated. Essentially, it provides your brain with a clear path to follow.
3) Avoid reading everything in the same manner
Not every piece of reading requires intense concentration. For instance, messages from your group chats can be glanced over quickly. However, when tackling chapters from your textbooks, it’s best to read slowly and possibly jot down some notes. Vary your pace according to the material at hand. This approach will help conserve both your time and mental energy.
4) Avoid going back over and over
Ever find yourself rereading the same line multiple times? That’s called regression, and it’s usually a sign of distraction. Try reading in a quiet space, or setting a timer for short focus sessions (say, 20 minutes). You can always go back later if something didn’t make sense, but trust yourself to get it the first time.
5) Work on your vocabulary
Occasionally, reading can seem sluggish due to frequent pauses for comprehension. As your vocabulary expands, reading tends to flow more effortlessly. Make it a habit to list unfamiliar words and seek their meanings subsequently. Gradually, you'll notice fewer interruptions in your reading pace.
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6) Practice reading faster
Like any skill, reading speed improves with practice. Read a few pages every day, even if it’s just during your lunch break or while waiting in line. Over time, your brain gets better at processing text quickly and clearly.
7) Review before jumping in
Before reading a long piece, take 30 seconds to scan it. Look at the headings, subheadings, and bold or italic text. Get an idea of what the main points are. This way, when you actually start reading, your brain already has a mental map of what’s coming.
Given this, it's crucial to recognize that speed reading enables quicker comprehension, yet it isn’t always the optimal approach based on your objective. Successful speed reading entails striking a balance between rapid reading and genuine grasp of the material.
Research shows that the faster you read, the less detail you tend to remember. So, when dealing with complex, technical, or unfamiliar material, especially if you need to explain it to someone else, it’s better to slow down and focus on comprehension.
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