| Sure, you can teach yourself how to speed read, | | | | more cost-effective to take classes at home |
| but speed reading programs will help you | | | | through a computer software or website. In |
| accomplish this in even less time and make you a | | | | these programs, you'll find drills that will teach you |
| more effective reader than you can imagine. The | | | | speed reading techniques and make you "unlearn" |
| problem with most self-taught speed readers is | | | | certain bad habits at the same time. Generally |
| that they've acquired certain bad habits that | | | | speaking, there are three bad habits that make |
| prevent them from fully comprehending what | | | | people take longer to process information from a |
| they've read - which totally defeats the purpose | | | | written text. First is eye skipback, or looking back |
| of speed reading. On the other hand, speed read | | | | at words or sentences you have already read. |
| programs will show you the techniques of proper | | | | The second is eye overuse, or reading each word |
| speed reading so you do not sacrifice | | | | one at a time instead of reading blocks of words. |
| comprehension for time. With a program, it's also | | | | The third is sub-vocalization, or reading the words |
| a lot easier for you to track your progress and | | | | softly out loud. Speed read programs will help you |
| see where you need improvements. | | | | overcome these bad habits and teach you the |
| Since speed reading students have various needs | | | | proper way to speed read. |
| and uses for the skill, speed reading programs are | | | | Of course, the effectiveness of these programs |
| designed to cater to the needs and goals of | | | | depends on how much you follow up and practice |
| particular demographics. Your first step in choosing | | | | your speed reading skills. Don't just depend on |
| from the different programs is to determine what | | | | these programs to become an efficient reader - |
| you need this skill for. Are you attending med | | | | make it a daily habit to use your learned reading |
| school and law school and would like to be able to | | | | skills. But if you're a student with mountains of |
| master several chapters in one evening? Are you | | | | books to read, or a professional with a pile of |
| a professional executive who would like to be | | | | emails to go through, then practicing your speed |
| more efficient at work? Would you like to teach | | | | reading skills should not be a problem. |
| your child how to read or help your child improve | | | | Speed read programs are not expensive and can |
| his or her reading proficiency? By determining | | | | cost as much as $50. But just think about how |
| your needs and goals, it will be easier for you to | | | | much time you'll save and how efficient you'll be |
| decide which of the many speed reading | | | | afterward. No matter how much they cost, these |
| programs can be of help. | | | | programs are a worthwhile investment to make |
| The programs can be taken as seminars, but the | | | | in the end. Consider enrolling in speed read |
| busy demands of everyone's schedule makes it | | | | programs today. |