If you are looking for some techniques about how to read faster or how to increase reading speed then, this article is the perfect place. We grow as individuals in our daily lives and at work, sharpening this first level skill of reading which encompasses both worlds. Yet, we all probably feel that reading needs to be faster without comprehension lacking. Life is so busy, whether you are a student straddled with piles of reading materials or if you are working class wanting to keep up with the latest happenings in your industry- speed-reading could really help. Today, we bring you the top 10 techniques on how to become a faster reader, increase reading speed and comprehension. 

Determine How Fast You Read Now (Current Reading Speed)

But knowing where you are is the first step towards reading faster. To set reasonable targets and track your improvement eventually you should first discover what how quickly you are able to read: 

This Is Why It Matters: Knowing your base reading speed sets something bare minimum for you. It allows you to take stock of how much work has been done and compare it with the milestones. If you do not have a baseline to compare these methods, it is difficult to know if the techniques are working. 

Measuring Your Reading Speed 

There are a few ways that you can gauge how fast you read right now: 

  • Online Tools: There are so many websites on the internet that provide free reading speed tests. These would usually be comprehension type tests where the student is required to read a piece of writing and answer questions on it. 
  • Mobile Apps: Spreeder and Acceleread have resources for measuring your reading speed as well strategies on how to improve. 
  • Manual Method: You can use a Stopwatch and a book. Read for one minute at a natural pace and count the number of words you read. 

 

Words Per Minute (WPM) Explained 

A common measure for reading speed is words per minute (WPM). It shows you how many words a minute (WPM) you can read. Most adults read at 200-300 WPM. One of the main benefit is that it gives you a sense for how efficient you’re reading actually is. 

Action Step: Time Yourself During a Reading Speed Test 

  • Pick a Passage: Find a section of text you haven’t read. The measurement should be longer as it ought to provide precise output (at least 300 words). 
  • One Minute Countdown: Use a stopwatch or timer and just set for one minute. 
  • Read: Start reading as soon as the timer gets going, focusing on understanding and maintaining a constant pace. 
  • Word Count: Once the timer finishes, tally up how many words you read. This is your WPM. 
Example of Tools to Use 
  • Online Reading speed tests: Websites such as Reading Soft allow you to measure your online reading speed for free.
  • Mobile Apps: Apps like Spreeder helps you to learn how to improve your reading speed.
The first step in becoming a faster reader is to see where your reading speed currently stands. If you have a baseline WPM (which is done in this section), then after trying these methods out over time, the number of words per minute should increase.

10 Techniques to Increase Reading Speed or How to Read Fast ?

Whether you want to Improve or increase your reading speed, it involves various techniques that allow you to read more efficiently -without losing comprehension. Here are some proven strategies:  

1. Skimming and Scanning 

Without a doubt, skimming and scanning are the two most important factors that increase your reading speed. When a reader skims, they read text quickly in order to get an overview of its content while when a reader scans effectively looks for something or keywords within the text.  

  • Skimming: When you skim, you read the main headings, subheadings, introductory sentences, and conclusion paragraphs. This provides you with a summary of the text so that you know what it is about without going over every single word. 
  • Scanning: Scanning is useful when you need to find specific information quickly. You move your eyes rapidly down the page searching for keywords, phrases, or numbers.  

  • Benefits:

    • Saves time by allowing you to quickly determine the relevance of the material.  
    • Enhances comprehension by focusing on key points and important details.  
    • Improves efficiency in academic and professional reading tasks.  

  • Skimming and Scanning Tips you put into Practice 

    • Identify Key Sections: Focus on headings, subheadings, and any highlighted or italicized text.  
    • Look for Keywords: Pay attention to keywords and phrases that are relevant to your purpose.  
    • Practice Regularly: Like any skill, skimming and scanning improve with practice. Set aside time each day to practice these techniques on different types of texts.

2. Eliminating Subvocalization  

Subvocalization is basically the habit of sounding out every single word in your head while you are reading. This does help you with understanding but it also considerably reduces your reading speed because you’re effectively reading at the pace you can speak.

Strategies to Minimize or Eliminate Subvocalization  

    • Chunking: Instead of reading one word at a time, try to read three words or an entire clause. This decreases the necessity to sub-vocalize each word.
    • Use a pointer like a finger or pen to guide your eyes while reading. This can help you focus on larger chunks of text and move more quickly.  
    • Silent Reading: Practice reading without moving your lips or silently vocalizing the words in your head. This may feel awkward at first, but it can greatly increase your speed over time.  

3. Improving Focus and Concentration  

Efficient reading requires a focused mind. Distractions can significantly slow you down and reduce comprehension.  

Tips to Create Your Distraction-Free Environment & Improve Focus:

  • Pick the Location: Select a quiet, and comfortable location.
  • Eliminate Interruptions: Mute your phone or disable notifications, and avoid multitask.
  • Set a Time Limit: Allocate a specific amount of time for reading to help maintain focus.

Enhance focus with techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. 

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that can help improve concentration and productivity.  

How It Works:  

  • Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on reading.  
  • When the timer signals the end of a session, take a 5-minute break. 
  • Repeat this cycle four times and then take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. 

Benefits:  

  • Helps maintain sustained focus and prevents burnout.  
  • It encourages regular breaks, which can improve overall productivity and comprehension.  

 

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By incorporating these techniques into your reading routine, you can learn how to read and comprehend faster. Each strategy targets different aspects of the reading process, helping you become a more efficient and effective reader.  

4. Utilizing Speed Reading Tools and Software  

Harnessing the power of technology can significantly enhance your reading speed and comprehension. There are numerous digital tools and apps available to help you become a faster reader. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most effective options.  

Digital Tools for Speed Reading: 

Several digital tools are designed to help you practice and improve your speed-reading skills. These apps and software offer various features, from guided practice sessions to personalized feedback and progress tracking.  

  • Spreeder: Spreeder is a popular speed-reading app that helps users eliminate subvocalization and read in chunks. It offers customizable settings to adjust the speed and number of words displayed.  
  • Acceleread: This app provides a comprehensive speed-reading training program with personalized lessons. It tracks your progress and adjusts the difficulty level based on your performance.  
  • Speed Reader: An intuitive app that focuses on improving reading speed through various exercises and tests. It also includes features to enhance comprehension and retention.  
  • ReadMe: This app uses RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology to display words in quick succession, helping users read faster without moving their eyes.  

Pros and Cons of Using Technology for Increase Reading Speed  

Pros:  

  • Interactive Learning: Digital tools often include interactive exercises and quizzes that make learning engaging and effective.  
  • Customization: Many apps allow you to customize settings to match your reading level and goals.  
  • Convenience: You can practice speed reading anytime, anywhere, using your smartphone or tablet.  
  • Progress Tracking: Most apps offer detailed progress reports, helping you monitor improvements and identify areas for further development.  

Cons:  

  • Screen Fatigue: Prolonged use of screens can cause eye strain and fatigue, potentially affecting your reading performance.  
  • Cost: While some apps are free, others may require a subscription or one-time purchase, which can add up over time.  
  • Over-reliance: Relying too heavily on technology might limit your ability to practice traditional reading techniques.  

5. Practicing Regularly  

Like any other ability, regular practice can always help you to become better at speed reading. A commitment to consistency and goal setting can really be the deciding factor in how fast you see progress. This is one way to form the routine and gradually read faster throughout time.

Setting Reading Goals: Setting specific and measurable goals is a crucial step in improving your reading speed. Goals provide direction and motivation, helping you stay focused and committed to your practice.

  • Direction: Define what you are going to do- Goals help us get a clear idea of how we can practice and see where our progress is heading.
  • Motivation: Little accomplishments are a morale booster and encourages you to continue working towards your larger objectives.  
  • Accountability: When your goals are clear and specific, then it holds you accountable to achieving those goals and make consistent progress.

Examples of Realistic Reading Goals  

As mentioned above, reading should remain something you do for an enjoyable break instead of becoming just another pressure-point. A few examples of realistic goals:

  • Increase WPM: Make it a goal to increase your reading speed by only 10-20 words per minute each month.
  • Daily Reading: Choose to read a minimum of 30 min per day.
  • Comprehension Check: Target to get 80% or higher on a basic comprehension quiz based upon the readings.
  • Book Completion: Decide to complete X number of books or articles per month.

6. Consistent Practice  

A well-structured reading schedule helps ensure that you practice regularly and make steady progress. Below are the tips for creating an effective schedule: 

  • Allocate Time Daily: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading practice. Consistency is key, so try to choose a time when you’re least likely to be interrupted.  
  • Balanced Sessions: Mix up your practice sessions with different types of reading materials (books, articles, reports) to keep things interesting and challenging.  
  • Focused Practice: During your reading sessions, focus solely on reading. Avoid multitasking and minimize distractions to maximize your practice time.  

7. Tracking Progress and Adjusting Strategies as Needed  

Regularly tracking your progress helps you stay motivated and identify areas that need improvement. Here’s how to effectively monitor and adjust your practice:  

  • Keep a Reading Journal: Document your reading speed, comprehension scores, and any challenges you encounter. This can assist you in monitoring your progress over time and recognizing patterns. 
  • Set Weekly Check-Ins: Review your goals and progress at the end of each week. Evaluate what is working and what isn’t, then adjust your strategies accordingly. 
  • Seek Feedback: Share your progress with a mentor, teacher, or a fellow reader. They can provide valuable feedback and suggest new techniques or adjustments to your practice routine.  

Examples of Adjustments Based on Progress:  

  • If your reading speed isn’t improving: Try different speed-reading techniques, such as skimming, scanning, or using a pointer. Consider changing the type of material you read to something more challenging.  
  • If comprehension is low: Slow down your reading speed slightly and focus on understanding the material. Use comprehension questions or summaries to check your understanding.  
  • If you feel unmotivated: Set smaller, more frequent goals to achieve a sense of accomplishment. Reward yourself for meeting your targets to stay motivated.  

By setting specific, measurable goals and practicing consistently, you can significantly improve your reading speed and comprehension. Remember, the key to success is regular practice and continuous adjustment of your strategies to find what works best for you.  

8. Improving Comprehension While Reading Faster  

As you work on increasing your reading speed, it’s essential to ensure that comprehension doesn’t suffer. Reading quickly is only beneficial if you retain and understand the information. Here’s how to balance speed and comprehension effectively.  

Techniques to Ensure Comprehension is Not Sacrificed for Speed  

While speed reading, maintaining a balance between speed and comprehension is crucial. Here are some techniques to help you achieve a balanced approach: 

  • Previewing and Predicting: Before diving into a text, skim through headings, subheadings, and summaries. This gives you a framework and sets expectations, making it easier to understand the content quickly.  
  • Pacing Yourself: Start by gradually increasing your reading speed. Pay attention to your comprehension level. If you find that you’re not retaining information, slow down until you find a balance.  
  • Regular Pauses: Pause periodically to reflect on what you’ve read. This helps reinforce understanding and memory.  

9. The Role of Summarization and Note-Taking  

Summarization and note-taking are powerful tools to enhance comprehension while increase speed reading.  

    • Summarization: After completing a section or chapter, summarize the key points in your own words. This practice ensures that you’ve grasped the main ideas and helps reinforce memory.  
    • Note-Taking: Take concise notes on essential points, concepts, and terms. This not only aids comprehension but also provides a quick reference for future review.  

Practical Tips for Effective Summarization and Note-Taking:  

  • Use Bullet Points: Write down key ideas in bullet points for clarity and quick reference.  
  • Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to visually organize and connect various concepts. 
  • Highlighting: Use different colors to highlight important sections, making it easier to locate critical information during review. 

10. Active Reading Strategies  

Active reading involves engaging with the text to improve understanding and retention.  

  • Questioning: Engage in questioning before, during, and after reading by asking yourself various questions. For example, what is the main idea? How does this information relate to my existing knowledge? This keeps you engaged and focused.  
  • Summarizing: As mentioned earlier, regularly summarizing the material helps reinforce comprehension and retention. Summarize your paragraphs or sections in your own words. 

Annotating and Highlighting Key Points  

Annotation and highlighting are effective strategies to engage with the text actively.  

  • Annotating: Write brief comments or questions in the margins as you read. This helps you process the information more deeply and can serve as a useful reference during review.  
  • Highlighting: Use a highlighter to mark key points, terms, and concepts. Be selective and avoid over-highlighting, as this can make it difficult to discern the most important information.  

Techniques for Effective Annotation and Highlighting:  

  • Marginal Notes: Jot down brief summaries, questions, or reactions in the margins to engage with the content.  
  • Color-Coding: Use different colors to highlight various types of information, such as definitions, key concepts, and supporting details.  

Benefits of Active Reading:  

  • Enhanced Engagement: Active reading keeps you involved and focused, reducing the likelihood of distractions.  
  • Improved Retention: Engaging with the text through questioning, summarizing, and annotating helps reinforce memory and understanding.  
  • Efficient Review: Well-annotated texts and highlighted key points make reviewing and revisiting material quicker and more effective.  

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your comprehension while reading faster. Balancing speed and comprehension are essential for effective reading, ensuring that you not only process information quickly but also retain and understand it. These active reading techniques will help you become a more proficient and effective reader.  

Conclusion  

In this blog, we covered various strategies to help you read faster, increase speed without compromising comprehension, such as knowing your current reading speed, setting measurable goals, using techniques like skimming and scanning, and minimizing subvocalization. We also discussed the benefits of digital tools, speed reading courses, and the importance of consistent practice while balancing speed with comprehension through summarization, note-taking, and active reading strategies. Now that you’re equipped with these techniques, start by measuring your reading speed, setting realistic goals, and experimenting with different methods. Utilize digital tools, enroll in a speed-reading course, and maintain a regular reading schedule while actively engaging with the text. Remember, faster reading allows you to absorb more information and stay ahead in your pursuits. As Tim Ferriss said, “The faster you can read, the more you can learn, the more you can achieve.”