Speed Reading for
Understanding
Speed-reading is a great tool but not if you don't
comprehend what you read. The whole point of speed-reading is
to read and understand material at a faster pace so more can be
accomplished in less time. If you speed read and then don't
know what it was you just read, you haven't really accomplished
anything.
To better understand what you are speed-reading, you first
have to make sure distractions are eliminated as much as
possible. Distractions, such as television, will interrupt the
reading flow. It is best to be in an area that has less
traffic, such as a den or home office. Someone just walking
through the room could be a big distraction.
Be sure you are in a comfortable chair with good light so
you are not shifting around or straining your eyes. Many people
find it easier to concentrate on reading if they have the
material on a desk rather than holding it in their hands. This
gives your hands the freedom to follow the flow of the reading
material.
Using one or more fingers on the page you are reading to
pace the flow can aid in understanding what you are reading. As
your fingers move down the page, they keep your eyes following
the sentences. You can pick up on key points in the material
easier if your eyes don't skip down the page too fast for your
brain to comprehend the meaning of sentences.
Before you actually start reading, skim through quickly to
get a feel for the pattern of the material. Every author has a
particular pattern and going with the flow of that pattern will
help to understand the material. It is be a different pattern
for different books and authors. It might seem as though this
will add to your reading time but it will actually shorten it
in the long run as you will comprehend better as you read and
not have to go back to re-read as much. During this skimming,
you will also be able to make a mental note of particular
points to pay attention in understanding the entire
material.
Speed-reading for comprehension, like anything else, takes
practice and discipline. Make it a habit to practice regularly.
Every day, if possible. You will get better at comprehending
what you speed-read the more you do it. Establish a routine and
stick to it. A routine helps to focus on understanding as you
read since you know what you will do before you start.
Speed-reading for comprehension is not as fast as just
speed-reading to be fast. It wouldn't be productive just to
read fast and not really understand what you are reading,
though. So pacing yourself to a level that allows for
comprehension will benefit you far more. You will still be
reading faster but understanding more.
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