| "What is the difference between skimming and | | | | you can. |
| speed reading?" It is important to be able to | | | | Step 2, is to get as comfortable as you can. This |
| distinguish between the two. If you don't | | | | can be considered part of Step 1, because |
| understand the difference, you'll never learn how | | | | discomfort is distracting. |
| to speed read properly. | | | | Step 3 is to set up the book so that it is against |
| Skimming and speed reading are vastly different | | | | something solid. The steadier the better. |
| things, but for some reason, they are often listed | | | | Unsteadiness (among other things) is why |
| as synonyms. Skimming is something you likely | | | | "subway-reading" and bus-reading" don't work. |
| already know how to do; you quickly and lightly | | | | Step 4 is to identify exactly what you want to |
| go over a text without paying too much attention | | | | get from the book. If you don't specify a good |
| to detail, just so that you can get a general idea | | | | reason to read the text, you won't be able to |
| of the text. | | | | focus very well. |
| Speed reading, on the other hand, is a much | | | | Step 5 is to SKIM THROUGH the text. Skimming |
| more complicated process. Speed reading can be | | | | is just an element of speed reading. Skimming |
| described as "absorbing text." This is a good way | | | | through will prepare you for the text in a couple |
| of putting it, because speed reading isn't the same | | | | of ways:a) you may be able to find words you |
| as regular reading. It involves using different parts | | | | don't know, which you should look up in a |
| of the brain, and taking in the text in a different | | | | dictionary before you continue.b) you may get a |
| way. | | | | general idea of what the text will cover.c) you |
| For example, if you want to speed read | | | | may become sub-consciously prepared for some |
| something, then the proper way to do so involves | | | | important concepts and keywords from the topic. |
| multiple steps. If you just launch into the reading, | | | | Notice I used the words "you may" instead of |
| you may find yourself unprepared for the | | | | "you will". Skimming through the text doesn't |
| material. To speed read most efficiently, the first | | | | guarantee any specific thing. But generally, |
| step is to eliminate all distractions. It doesn't | | | | skimming will help your comprehension in some |
| matter whether or not you THINK something will | | | | way. |
| affect you - chances are, if there is anything that | | | | Finally, Step 6 is to actually speed-read. Thanks to |
| can come between you and the text, it will. | | | | the preparation steps, your comprehension will be |
| So Step 1 is to get rid of as many distractions as | | | | maximized. |