Practical techniques to learn to read and… understand faster.
“I am not a speed reader. I am a speed understander.”
Isaac Asimov
La quick reading is one of the most fascinating and well-known topics in the world of personal growth. The promise of being able to read entire books, reports or articles in a matter of minutes is any student's hidden dream and the holy grail of many who have entered the world of work.
Books, courses and videos on youtube promise to teach you how to read a book even before the bookstore cashier has finished the bill, but ... you can trust these amazing quick reading techniques?!
As for me, I was disappointed with many of the techniques that promised heaven and earth, but at the same time I spotted those simple practical tricks that allow you to triple your reading skills, without spending a fortune!
What is the goal of your reading?
Before even learning weird speed reading techniques, you should ask yourself a simple question: "why am I reading this article / book / text?"
Do you want to get a general idea of the topic? You have to store in a hurry a textbook? Do you need to read a presentation before meeting with the client? Or do you just want to read for pleasure?
Speed reading shouldn't be an obligation, but a tool to use to your advantage. Establish the goal of your reading prepares your brain to assimilate information with the right attention and… speed.
But that's talk: you're here to find out the secret fast-reading techniques, right? ;-)
The secret of speed reading
In a previous article I told you about 3 bad habits that slow down your reading; becoming aware of these reading "vices" can guarantee you surprising improvements. But if you want to go further and speed up your reading even more, you need to discover (drum roll) the secret of speed reading.
"But enough of these secrets, laws of attraction and various bullshit!"
Well yes, you're right, in reality there is no secret: speed reading is just a matter of training.
Do you remember the teacher in elementary school when she taught you to read one word at a time or even one letter at a time: if you want to learn read quickly you will have to go to the next level, or rather to the next 3 levels:
- Learn to read blocks of words.
- Learn to read blocks of words always longer.
- Learn to read longer and longer blocks of words, in the shortest possible time.
Practical examples of quick reading
“Yes, the story of the levels is nice, but you still haven't explained it to me like heck can I read faster ?! "
If you want to climb the 3 levels of the perfect "speed reader", you will have to do it one step at a time:
- Measure your current reading speed. In any change, the first step is the awareness. Understanding what your current reading speed is will allow you to objectively measure your improvements, motivating you to change. Try this fast reading test and… don't cheat: there is also an understanding test at the end!
- Correct reading vices. As described in mine previous article, the 3 main reading vices are: sub-vocalizing, dwelling on single words and going back. Try to pay attention to these errors when reading and your speed will increase exponentially.
- Focus on reading. Concentration is the foundation of quick reading. If you are not convinced, grab a book and read a page at your normal reading pace, calculating the reading time. Now read the next page with full concentration, making an effort to read as quickly as possible. Do you notice any difference in the reading times?
- Fight insecurities. There is a strange connection between fast reading and esteem. We often feel the need to dwell on individual words for a long time because we fear we have not understood them: in reality our brain assimilates the words instantly and it is only our insecurity that slows us down or makes us go back. To combat this insecurity there are very effective practical techniques, which are called self-pacing method: the purpose of these techniques is to use tools that dictate the pace of reading in your eyes. Can you think of anyone? Let's say that they are "at hand"… ;-) Use your fingers or a sheet of paper to quickly scroll through the text you are reading. To continually improve your speed reading skills, try to get out of your comfort zone by moving your fingers faster than your natural reading pace.
- Train constantly. To excel in fast reading techniques, as mentioned, constant training is essential. Keep enjoying every single word of your pleasure reading, but at the same time don't miss an opportunity to practice your quick reading. In a society where television dictates public opinion, an avid reader can make a difference.
Well, how did the speed reading test go? Improvements? Let me know the results in the comments.
