T.M. Kayode

In today’s fast-paced world, where information overload is the norm, the ability to process large volumes of text quickly and efficiently has become a valuable skill. Speed reading, the technique of reading rapidly with the goal of absorbing and comprehending information at an accelerated pace, offers a solution to this challenge. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of speed reading, its importance in various aspects of life, and how mastering this skill can benefit researchers, students, professionals, and anyone seeking to enhance their productivity and knowledge acquisition. We will also discuss some simple steps to speed reading.

When it’s crucial to sift through vast amounts of information quickly, speed reading becomes an invaluable skill. In academic research, for instance, scholars often need to scan through numerous articles, journals, and studies to identify relevant information for their own research projects. Speed reading enables them to efficiently navigate this sea of literature, saving precious time while ensuring they stay abreast of the latest developments in their field. Similarly, professionals in fast-paced industries such as finance, law, and healthcare rely on speed reading to digest complex reports, legal documents, and medical studies swiftly, enabling them to make well-informed decisions in a timely manner.

However, there are instances when speed reading may not be appropriate or effective. For example, when reading literature or poetry for enjoyment or analysis, rushing through the text can diminish the richness of the language and imagery. Similarly, when studying dense or technical material that requires deep understanding and critical analysis, speed reading may sacrifice comprehension for speed. In such cases, it’s essential to slow down and engage with the material thoughtfully, allowing ample time for reflection and interpretation. Ultimately, the decision to speed read or not depends on the nature of the text and the specific goals of the reader, balancing the need for efficiency with the desire for comprehension and insight.

That said, I read a book on speed reading some years ago and here are some techniques I gleaned from the book that I still use till this day.

Step 1: Pre-Reading Preparation

Before delving into a document, take a moment to scan its contents. Pay attention to headings, subheadings, and any highlighted sections. This quick preview provides invaluable context, allowing you to approach the material with a clear understanding of what lies ahead. Also, depending on the content, you do not need to start at the beginning of the text. You can skip ahead to what material is necessary per time.

Step 2: Laser Focus

Train your eyes to move smoothly across the page, taking in groups of words at a time rather than fixating on individual terms. Think of it as widening your reading lens to encompass more information with each glance. It takes a little while to adjust to this but as you continue to do this it becomes easier and more natural.

Step 3: Eliminate Subvocalization

One of the biggest hurdles to reading quickly is the habit of silently vocalizing each word in your head. Break free from this constraint by trusting your eyes to process the text directly, bypassing the need for internal narration. This was the part I had to really work on. It could take a while to eliminate this completely but it is not impossible.

Step 4: Harness the Power of Pointer

Utilize a pen, finger, or cursor to guide your eyes along the text. This physical anchor helps maintain focus and prevents your gaze from wandering, enabling you to maintain a steady reading pace.

Step 5: Read in Chunks

Rather than laboriously parsing through every word, train yourself to identify and absorb meaningful chunks of text. Look for phrases or clauses that convey key concepts, allowing you to extract the essence of the content more efficiently.

Step 6: Expand Peripheral Vision

Maximize your visual field by widening your gaze to encompass more words per line. This peripheral awareness enables you to process information more rapidly, akin to absorbing the big picture while still capturing crucial details.

Step 7: Resist Regression

Avoid the temptation to backtrack and re-read passages you’ve already traversed. Trust in your initial comprehension and forge ahead with confidence, maintaining a forward momentum in your reading flow.

Step 8: Gradually Increase Speed

Start at a comfortable pace and gradually ramp up your reading speed over time. Like any skill, speed reading improves with practice, so be patient with yourself as you strive for incremental gains.

Step 9: Leverage Technology

Explore the myriad of speed reading apps and tools available to augment your practice regimen. These resources offer interactive exercises and personalized feedback to help you hone your speed reading prowess.

Step 10: Commit to Consistent Practice

Ultimately, the key to mastering speed reading lies in consistent and deliberate practice. Set aside dedicated time each day to engage in focused reading sessions, gradually refining your technique and reaping the rewards of enhanced efficiency and comprehension.

Let me know if you would try this out.