Speed Reading Tactics - Exposing the Myth of Speed Pacing in Software and Electronic Programs

I recently discovered a couple of speed readingthan focus on "word clumps," the reader should
programs that are free plug-ins for electronicfocus on the meaning of the text, not the
reading especially web-based reading. I excitedlynumber of words seen.
downloaded and installed them onto my desktop3. Pacing at a set speed is artificial to the actual
machine. Unfortunately these free plug-ins were aact of reading for comprehension. Set speed
major disappointment that built upon common apacing works well for basic skill practice and
misunderstanding about speed reading. Thisbreaking of old habits but ineffective as a lasting
misconception is especially problematic forreading methodology. Effective readers are faster
comprehension at high speeds that most, if not allin certain topics and slower in others because of
speed reading software programs promote inthe nature of reading comprehension. Within a
such a way that tarnish the topic due to theirparticular document the reader may read one
ineffectiveness.section faster because the structure is simpler
The web-based plug-ins had the user either copyand the content is easier, and then read slower in
and paste the selection into a window, or highlightanother area because the writing is more
text on the page to be read. Both used what iscomplex. Similarly, as the reader moves from one
called a tachistoscopic approach which flashedreading source to another source, the topic of the
single words in the viewer window at afirst source may be more familiar and thus easier
pre-determined speed. This approach fails for afor that reader and thus the mind can respond
variety of reasons, especially considering that it isfaster.
built upon seeing one word at a time. The user4. What happens when the reader wants to
cannot get a sense of context reading in thisabsorb something from a non-electronic
manner. Seeing words in context is critical forenvironment such as reading books, magazines,
comprehension.newspapers, printed reports, etc.? How will the
It is not just that these plug-ins miss the markreader continue the eye movement without the
for real speed reading where the reader can readsoftware running? Follow-up studies are conclusive
and understand in the thousands of words perthat the vast majority of readers will slow back
minute range, but most, if not all software anddown to their original speed.
software training fail the learner due to the sameAs mentioned earlier, pacing can be effective as
tachistoscopic approach. A tachistoscope uses aan initial aspect of training to break old inefficient
mechanical method of flashing words on a screen.habits. However the pacer should be the readers'
It can be set to display from single words tohand, or fat end of a pen/pencil, or the mouse
entire paragraphs. As early as the 1960s,pointer. Self-pacing using the hand, pen, pacer, or
tachistoscopic training was clinically proven to besomething similar, puts the reader in control of
ineffective in learning real lasting speed readingthe reading process. Another way of expressing it
abilities.is from the inside out, rather than being externally
These software approaches are intended todriven in some automated fashion. After the initial
break the habit of untrained readers of stoppingtraining, this self-driven pacing helps to keep the
and lingering the eyes on single words (prolongedeyes moving efficiently, but it does so at the
fixations), and to move the eyes more fluidly andcontrol of the mind of the reader. The pacer
efficiently over print. The idea's intention is ahelps move the eyes, but the reader moves
useful one in that untrained readers do need toaccording to the mind's response. Again the
learn to move the eyes more efficiently.reader is faster in some area and materials, and
However they fail to deliver on training the learnerslower in others.
to master speed reading for a number ofEffective speed readers know that there is not
reasons.just one speed to achieve. Effective speed
1. The eyes can naturally see between 1-3 inchesreaders know how to adjust continuously during
in diameter with clarity of focus at normal readingtheir reading according to how they comprehend
distances (page in a book, magazine, electronicthe material. Software program pacing can
screen, etc.). Programs that expand the focal areasometimes be useful in the beginning stages of
greater than that can cause eye muscle problems.learning speed reading, but they are ultimately
2. It actually blocks comprehension. When thelimiting and ineffective in the long run because
focus is on expanding the size of the "wordthey are too artificial and one dimensional in
groups" or "word clusters," and the number ofapproaching the issue of reading comprehension
words per fixation (eye stops), it does notand speed reading.
recognize the true nature of readingNow that you know about the myth of artificial
comprehension. If you are focusing on the size ofpacing programs for speed reading, I invite you to
the word group, it prohibits your mind fromlearn more truths about developing this critical skill
focusing on the meanings of those words. Ratherand get more free tips.