Chapter 9 – Speed Reading
Why learn to speed read?
With so much these days to take-in this is a huge advantage as it has been suggested that even if we only skim a page the brain is that clever it retains the words we have covered. And think of the benefits of being able to read your favourite novel or author in less time so that you can get on and do other things!
This skill can also help if you have to speak in front of a group of fellow workers or at a seminar as you can recall your notes much easier since you can read them a number of times in the same amount of time it used to take you to read them once.
You can if you think you can
As you think so shall it be
“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves” Thomas Edison
Another good reason to learn this skill is quite simply that in this life the only thing we cannot get more of is time, and it is said by many that life is short – so we should pack in as much as possible.
Speed readers are considered to be impatient readers- they read with a purpose and want to find answers straightaway.
Tips for Increasing Reading Rate
• Work on vocabulary improvement. Familiarize yourself with new words so you don't get stuck on them when you read them again.
• If you find yourself moving your lips when reading, force yourself to read faster by reading with the mind instead of with the lips.
• Read more! 15 minutes a day of reading an average size novel equals 18 books a year at an average reading speed. Can you imagine how helpful it can be?
• Determine your purpose before reading. If you only need main ideas, then allow yourself to skim the material. Don't read every word.
• Spend a few minutes a day reading at a faster than comfortable rate (about 2 to 3 times faster than your normal speed). Use your hand or a card to guide your eyes down the page.
• If you have poor concentration when reading, practice reading for only 5-10 minutes at a time and gradually increase this time.
In today's business world, ordinary reading skills are not sufficient for you to keep up with the increasing amount of information. If you read at 200-250 words per minute, like most people, you are at a great disadvantage.
Learning how to read quickly is actually not difficult and many people will improve their reading speed just by understanding what goes on in their eyes when they read.
What is also important, besides reading quickly, is to understand the information read and how to retain the information. What good is a speed reader if he doesn’t understand a thing he reads? Thus, high speed reading, together with complete comprehension, gives you an opportunity to reach your highest potential as a leader in your field of work.
Information is power. The more you know, the more powerful you become.
To be at the cutting edge of your business, you have to know more than others in your field.
Fortunately, information is abundant and obtaining it is as easy as a few clicks on your computer. The challenge is gathering and deciphering useful data that gives you the lead.
High speed reading is one of your most important tools to gain ample information that may make other people see that you deserve to be recognized
Many of the most successful business people you know are probably speed readers. They have to be in order to effectively deal with all the information necessary to run successful organizations and businesses. Though they may not talk about their high speed reading skills, we are certain that those are what brought them to where they are now. And they are not telling you because theydon’t want to reveal their advantage over you! It’s their edge.
Speed reading is one of the best ways to improve not only your reading and understanding skills but also improve your memory and vocabulary of words.
For further information “Speed Reading Monster Course” from www.learn-speed-reading.co.uk