First, ask yourself why are you reading and what do you want to get from the read. While you’re reading, learn to extract the main points more efficiently.
In a Harvard Business Review blog post, a speed reading expert was asked what speed reading tips he gives his nephews, he said:
I would see them doing some dense reading such as chapters in a history or science textbook, and would I say: “When you get to the exam in a month or two, what do you want to remember from this chapter? After reading this chapter, please write no more than the one or two paragraphs you want to remember for the exam. Then go back and see how you could read more efficiently to obtain that paragraph or two.”
One of the reasons why some people are slow readers is that they’re reading every word. Instead, they should read the introduction, the conclusions and the tops of the paragraphs to determine if that part of the chapter is really important for them.
But you’ve got to know what you’re reading for. Are you reading for certain facts? Are you reading for new analysis? Are you reading for the author’s general themes or the specific support for these themes? ¹
For most people, it takes a leap of faith to speed read because they are afraid they are going to miss something if they do not fully internalize every single word.
However, reading using this style, may make it harder for you to grasp the overall theme of your book/article/chapter. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your main purpose for reading. When you have a central purpose as your guide, you’ll have a greater focus as you glance over pages. In fact, most people increase their comprehension when they learn this principle.
After you understand the importance of finding your central motive before reading anything, the last part is training your mind to extract this information from as quick as possible. The following video lessons will help you develop the technical skills of speed reading.
Tips to Get Started:
Free Speed Reading Course — 5 Part Video Series:
WATCH PART 1:
WATCH PART 2:
WATCH PART 3:
WATCH PART 4:
WATCH PART 5:
Extra Credit Video:
Extra Credit Video 2:
Extra Credit Video 3:
Works Cited
October, Am Monday. “How to Be a Speed Reader – Robert C. Pozen and Justin Fox – The Conversation – Harvard Business Review.” Business Management Ideas – Harvard Business Review Blogs. Web. 09 Oct. 2010. <http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2010/10/the_importance_of_knowing_what.html>.
“The Iris Organization.” Speed Reading – Classes, Workshops & Webinars – Tips & Strategies | The Iris Organization. Web. 09 Oct. 2010. <http://www.irisreading.com/speedreadingwebinars/youtube.html>.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I’ve actually bought a speed reading software and it really helped me improve my speed in reading. It was something I’ve bought that is really worth it. I did get what I paid for.
With my speed in reading improving, it actually helped me in blogging and research.