6 Game-Changing Speed Reading Secrets

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When was the last time you practiced reading?

In this article, we'll explore the world of speed reading and show you exactly how to begin your journey to becoming a speed reading master. As the most popular topic in our Kwik Learning curriculum, we’re thrilled to share some powerful strategies with you.

Speed reading is an absolute game-changer. It enables you to tear through your ever-growing reading list at lightning speeds, remember more of what you read, and rapidly expand your knowledge on any topic imaginable. Put simply, it's the ultimate competitive advantage in our knowledge-driven economy.

Sadly, most people never take the first step because they're convinced it's too hard, or worse, that they're not smart enough. we are here to tell you that's simply not true. Anyone can learn to speed read with the right methods and a little practice.

The three biggest myths holding people back are:

• Myth #1: Speed reading is a natural talent - you're either born with it or you're not. False! Speed reading is a skill that CAN be learned by training your eyes, brain and hands to work together more efficiently.

• Myth #2: You can't speed read and still understand the material. Not true! Comprehension actually increases at faster speeds by engaging more of your brain and allowing you to grasp ideas faster.

• Myth #3: It takes forever to see results. No way! While mastery comes with consistent practice, my students routinely double their reading speed in a matter of days by applying a few key techniques.

Background & History

Wood noticed that her gifted students devoured books while others struggled, and she realized it was all about mechanics, not just brainpower. She taught people to zip through pages using fluid eye movements and a wide visual focus. Her seminars were a smash hit, attracting presidents, celebrities, and business titans. Even the White House wanted in on the action!

In the following decades, researchers uncovered even more breakthroughs:

• The Tachistoscope: Flashing text to train instant word recognition

• RSVP: Showing one word at a time to boost focus and prevent re-reading

• Skimming and Scanning: Quickly spotting key info like a detective

• Comprehension Checks: Quizzes to keep your skills sharp and catch bad habits

• Subvocalization Elimination: Humming or counting to silence your inner voice

• Eye Movement Tracking: Studying how eyes dart, pause, and backtrack to optimize training

By the '90s and 2000s, these ideas spread like wildfire through books, articles, and catchy mnemonics like SQ3R and OK4R. But the real game-changer was the tech boom. Smartphone apps made drills a breeze, eye-tracking software adjusted text on the fly, and social media connected speed readers worldwide.

Through all these twists and turns, the core of speed reading stayed the same: master a few key techniques, practice consistently, and watch your reading power soar. From Wood's early "a-ha!" moments to the cutting-edge tools of today, it's been a thrilling journey of bigger, better, faster reading.

This raises the obvious question - what are those key techniques, and how can you get started with speed reading today?

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6 Tips to Increase Your Reading Speed

1. Reduce subvocalization:

• Subvocalization is silently pronouncing words in your head while reading, which slows you down.

• To reduce it, try repeatedly counting from 1 to 10 or chewing gum while reading to occupy the speech mechanisms.

• With practice, you can learn to see and process words without "hearing" them.

2. Expand your visual focus:

• Take in more words per fixation instead of focusing on individual words.

• Use a pen or finger to draw a "window" over a line of text and expand the window size over time.

• This trains your eyes to make fewer stops and take in more at each stop.

3. Use a pointer:

• Use your finger or a pen to guide your eyes and set the pace.

• Underline the text as you read, moving your pointer faster than is comfortable.

• This keeps your eyes moving forward and pushes you to read faster.

4. Read in chunks:

• Take in groups of 3-5 words at a time instead of individual words.

• This allows you to grasp the meaning of phrases and sentences more quickly.

• Your pointer can help you read in more comprehensive chunks.

5. Set a timer:

• Use a timer to do focused reading sessions and track your speed.

• Aim to get through a certain number of pages in a set time, then gradually decrease the time.

• Seeing your progress is great motivation.

6. Practice actively:

• Set aside 15-20 minutes a day to practice speed reading techniques.

• Start with easy material and build to more challenging texts.

• Always strive to comprehend what you read - reading faster is pointless if you don't understand the content.

The key is consistent practice and gradually pushing yourself to improve. With dedication, you can make significant gains in your reading speed while maintaining good comprehension. Be patient with yourself as you build this skill over time.

If you're serious about kicking your reading skills into overdrive, we invite you to check out our Kwik Reading course. It's our most popular program because the results speak for themselves. Students routinely triple their reading speeds and report devouring books they never dreamed possible.

We'll leave you with this - the human brain is a marvel with nearly infinite potential. The only limits on your learning are those you place on yourself. With the right training and a lit bit of persistence, you can absolutely become a speed reading jedi.

And imagine how that could transform your life - more knowledge, more skills, more opportunities. It's a thrilling journey and we are excited for you to take the first step.