Techniques Of Improving Your Reading Speed

The art of reading is critical, especially for students, and for people who are in the field related to books. Some people can read up to 1000 words per minute, with 90% comprehension. But average reader can reach only around 250 wpm with 60% comprehension. These statistics are quite surprising as most readers actively read newspapers, books, magazines, novels, work documents or computer display for at least an hour each day.

There are many factors that reduce the reading rate, and these factors are limited perceptual span, vocalization, slow perceptual reaction time, regression, faulty eye movements, lack of practice, faulty habits of concentration and attention, fear of losing comprehension, poor evaluation of important and unimportant, habitual slow reading, and too much effort to remember everything rather than being selective about it.

Few Tips For Improving Your Reading Speed

There is vast difference in the reading skills of good reader and average reader, and the matters get worse if efficiency level is also taken into consideration. There are many ways for improving your reading speed such as attending speed reading seminars, reading a book about speed reading, and a good speed reading computer program. Slow readers can double, and sometimes triple their reading efficiency by attending the seminars that offer carefully selected texts, positive atmosphere and comprehension tests. A good book can be a great help for improving your reading speed as it provides comprehension and speed tests in addition to techniques to improve the reading skills. The book also gives the information regarding interest stimulation, concentration, ways to approach a text and skimming techniques.

A good speed reading computer program however is the most efficient way that can teach you how to help improve reading speed and achieve the top reading levels. These programs offer unique exercises that boost the efficiency of reading through text animation, interactivity and pacing. Learning from the speed reading software can be quite fast paced and enjoyable, and it gives consistent practice that can easily break the habit of slow reading.

Some other tips for improving your reading speed include getting your eyes checked for any kind of eye defects, eliminating the habit of pronouncing the words while reading, developing the wider eye-span and to avoid regressing. The reading speed however should be based on the reading material. If you are reading difficult sentences, unfamiliar terminology, technical material, abstract concepts or the material on which you would like to have detailed retention, decrease the reading speed. But the speed can be increased when reading simple material with familiar ideas.

Few additional tips for improving your reading speed include reading early in the day, prioritizing the reading, skimming through the material first to get the general idea, reading in proper environment, avoiding highlights, previewing before reading, and using a flexible reading speed.