| You may know that speed reading is essentially a | | | | information to an optimum extent. Here are some |
| way in which one can read any given text at | | | | handy tips on effectively using this technique: |
| faster-than-usual speeds. Speed readers do this | | | | 1. It is best to preview the material before |
| either by 'skimming' the text and capturing the | | | | beginning, so that one gets a fair concept of the |
| highlights, or by reading certain words or phrases | | | | topic at hand. The best way to scan the material |
| that capture the essence of the text. | | | | is to take in the title, paragraph heading and |
| It has been found that a normal person's average | | | | overall length of the material. |
| reading comprehension rate is approximately 75%. | | | | 2. Once the preview is complete, the speed |
| When attempting speed reading without proper | | | | reader needs to decide how to tackle reading the |
| instruction or guidance, people often reduce this | | | | material. Many prefer to spend a longer time on |
| rate to 50% or less, in the process also reducing | | | | certain key paragraphs. |
| their comprehension levels. This defeats the | | | | 3. Zeroing in keywords is very helpful, since one |
| purpose of reading, because overall learning is | | | | does not have to concentrate on reading every |
| compromised in the process. So, what are the | | | | word. The idea is to concentrate on these |
| basic secrets of effective speed reading? | | | | keywords and skip over words such as 'the'. |
| Before we go into that, let it be said that this | | | | 4. The common practice of re-reading words |
| mode of absorbing information has both its | | | | must be eliminated in speed reading. The art of |
| advocates and detractors. Those in favor state | | | | 'skimming' text can only be achieved with plenty |
| that a person can increase his or her IQ as well | | | | of practice; however, once it is mastered, one |
| as memory in the process of speed reading. | | | | can achieve reading speeds of up to 700 words |
| Those against it say that because reading | | | | per minute, as opposed to the normal reading |
| comprehension levels below 50% serve no | | | | rate of around 200-250 words per minute. |
| purpose, so it's not the best way of reading and | | | | Aside from the debates about this technique, one |
| learning. | | | | cannot doubt that it has some pertinent uses, |
| The ability to draw out details in speed reading is | | | | which explains why so many people spend a lot |
| certainly less than in normal reading, which means | | | | of money on speed reading courses. |
| that the reader may not be able to process | | | | |