Scores of webpages and books have been written on how to speed read which naturally makes a person wonder if there really is a need to hone this particular skill and the benefits of doing so. It is imperative to understand that technological advances are all set to obliterate the need to write and type. Speech to type software programs and gadgets that allow scanned or written text to be stored in a digital format are markedly reducing our dependence on good ol paper and pen.
That day is not too far when we will rely entirely on these technological offerings to take care of our jotting down and writing needs. However, there will still be only one way to assimilate knowledge: READ. This means that despite astonishing scientific progress, we will still have to depend on our old school skills of reading, so would it not make sense to learn how to speed read? If you are keen on becoming a better reader, here is a look at speed reading and what it is all about; how it can help you in ever facet of life and tips on how to speed read. .
What is speed reading?
Speed reading refers to a set of techniques meant to augment reading speed without reducing the comprehension of text and hampering retention. With speed reading, it is possible to increase your rate of reading two to three times without negatively impacting your level of comprehension. While there are no distinct "normal reading" process that regular readers follow, speeding reading courses and programs endeavor to use a variety of techniques to reduce reading time.
The benefits of speed reading
The benefits of learning how to speed read far supersede the realms of scholastic life. While students have the most to gain by learning to read faster; professionals and even hobby readers can achieve a lot by enhancing their reading skills.
Grade and high school students can take in far more information through speed reading and it also helps to accentuate their comprehension of the text. One of the advantages of learning to speed read early on in life is that its easier to absorb new ideas at that age without the task being too onerous.
College students at the grad and higher levels will benefit the most by mastering speed reading skills. With volumes of books to go through and a humongous amount of information to process, most college students find it harrowing to get through the vast amount of reading that they are expected to do. In this case, the ability to speed read is nothing short of being a God -sent skill.
Did you know that three quarters of all the reading material in the world is accommodated in the filing cabinets of the corporate establishments across the globe. This should give you ample of impetus to consider a speed reading program or course even if you are no longer studying. After all, in the work place information is power and there could not be a simpler way to harness it than reading.
How does speed reading actually works?
How to speed read programs and courses reading follow a three pronged approach; it eliminated time consuming habits like subvocalization and re-reading which slow down the reader without aiding retention or comprehension. It also educates the reader on creating a conducive environment for speed reading which includes correcting the posture, maintaining proper distance from the text source, adequate lighting and the right text characteristics which help in enhancing the speed of reading. Finally, through speed reading, new reading techniques are inculcated in the reader which dramatically increase the rate of reading.
Does it really provide the promised results?
The answer to that question is a resounding "yes"; it is possible to achieve stupendous results through speed reading programs and courses. As a matter of fact, people have reported reading speeds of several thousands words per minute after going through a speed reading training program. Even in the worst case scenario, you can still increase your rate of reading to a whopping 600 to 700 wpm. This means that you could easily finish a 200 page book in a matter of a few hours.
Different types of speed reading techniques
The basics : When learning how to speed read, the first step is the creation of a good reading environment; this is done by ensuring that the reader is seated in a comfortable position and in an area with the least amount of distractions. The ability to maintain focus, adequate lighting and proper breathing all have a bearing on the rate of reading, so all these factors are addressed in the basics.
The art of skimming : The next step in any how to speed read course will include in depth information on the art of skimming. The process involves searching for specific sentences and words on a page that hold the key to the meaning of the text. Some people are naturally good at skimming while others will need some practice to polish this skill. While skimming is done at a higher reading rate of almost 700 to 800 wpm, it negatively impacts comprehension of information rich reading material. However, skimming can come in handy when reading the newspaper or other official documents that do not stress on figures and other intricate data that calls for systematic reading and retention.
Meta Guiding : This technique involves using a visual cue to assist in the reading process. Children are often taught to read by placing their finger under the text which visually guides them to the next word. This trick not only works on young readers but is also remarkably potent when trying to accentuate the reading speed. When a visual cue is offered the visual cortex takes over absorbing the information at an astounding rate
The ability to read fast is no longer wishful thinking, precise techniques have been discovered to shift the mental functioning to the visual center of the brain when reading. However, like all other skills, when learning how to speed read, you will have to be diligent and patient. After all only practice makes perfect!
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لا أحد يظن أن العظماء تعساء إلا العظماء أنفسهم. إدوارد ينج: شاعر إنجليزي
أمس في 7:19 pm من طرف freeman
