How To Speed Read

There are people that know how to read at over 1000 words per minute, and they can retain more of what they read than most slow readers. With a speed like that, almost everyone else can be classified as a slow reader. The average reading speed is 250 words-per-minute. For the 1000wpm readers to have a higher comprehension level doesn’t even seem possible.

What’s really happening is this: when you read faster, information comes into your head faster. When more information is coming at you, it’s less likely you will become bored. The more interested you are, the more you will absorb. Thus, reading faster makes you comprehend more.

So the question is this: how can you speed read? How does speed reading work?

Speed reading has to do with eliminating sub-vocalisation. Sub-vocalisation is also known as “silent speech”. It can be defined as internal speech, which takes place during reading. Sub-vocalisation allows the reader to “hear” the words as they are being read. Removing this process allows for much faster reading.

Moving away from sub-vocalisation, makes room for a more visual approach to reading. When you read without sub-vocalising, you are no longer held by the 250 words-per-minute barrier set up by sub-vocalisation.

It is more efficient to perceive the words solely as visual information. The goal of speed reading is to control your use of auditory associations while taking in words.

Then you can start reading words not as a series of sounds, but as images. You already know most of the

words you will encounter while reading. It isn’t necessary to hear the words as well as see them; just by looking at the word, you can know what it means.

The concept is very simple, but the method is hard to master. Try reading the Speed Reading Manual, or the Speed Reading Newsletter. Both of those resources are available through this website. Check them out now!