How to speed read? The secret.

Featured in

    Discover the secret techniques and tips for mastering speed reading with our step-by-step guide.

    How to speed read? The secret.

    Reading is an essential life skill, whether it is for academic, professional, or leisure purposes. However, reading speed plays a vital role in how much information one can consume and retain in a given time. That is where speed reading comes in. Speed reading is a set of techniques and methods that enable a person to read faster while maintaining good comprehension and retention.

    If you are struggling with slow reading speed, the good news is that speed reading is a skill that can be improved with practice and dedication. This article will give you some valuable tips and hacks to help you boost your reading speed and become a more efficient reader as well as read fast.

    Deciding what to speed read and what not to speed read

    Before we delve into the science of speed reading and techniques to apply, it is essential to know what material is suitable for speed reading. It is best to reserve speed reading for non-fiction texts that contain factual information, such as textbooks, reports, and articles. Fiction books, on the other hand, are better enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing the reader to appreciate the language, writing style, and characters.

    The science of speed reading

    To understand the secret of speed reading, you need to comprehend the science behind it. The average person reads about 200 to 300 words per minute (wpm), while speed readers can read up to 1000 wpm. The key to faster reading lies in two main things: eye movements and subvocalization.

    Subvocalization is the process of reading out loud in your mind. It is a habit that slows down reading speed because the average person can only talk at about 200 wpm. Therefore, subvocalizing when reading limits the speed at which you can read. Eye movements, on the other hand, can be trained to move in a more efficient pattern, allowing the reader to cover more words per glance and utilize peripheral vision. However, there are steps you can take to overcome subvocalization, train your eye movements, and improve your overall reading skills.

    Speed reading methods

    Here are some speed reading techniques that you can apply to improve your reading speed:

    1. The skimming technique — This involves quickly scanning through the text to get a general idea of what it’s about. You can do this by reading the headings, subheadings, and the first sentence of each paragraph. This will give you an overview of the content and help you decide if you want to read further.

    2. The scanning technique — This method involves scanning through the text to find specific information. You can do this by looking for keywords and phrases that are relevant to your topic. This technique is particularly useful for non-fiction books and academic papers.

    3. The meta-guiding technique — This method involves using your peripheral vision to read groups of words instead of individual words. This helps you to read faster and reduces the need for eye movements.

    4. The elimination technique — This method involves skipping over sections of the text that are not relevant to your topic. You can do this by looking at the table of contents and skipping over chapters or sections that don’t apply to your research.

    More speed reading techniques

    In addition to the speed reading methods listed above, there are a few other speed reading techniques you can try, including the following:

    1. Make it relatable — Relating the information you are reading to something you already know helps improve comprehension and retention.

    2. Don’t repeat — Avoid going back to reread previous sentences or paragraphs, as this will slow down your reading speed and reduce comprehension.

    3. Read with your finger — Using your finger as a guide while reading helps to improve focus and concentration.

    4. Focus — Eliminate all distractions, such as social media, TV shows, or other noise, to increase concentration.

    5. Stop subvocalization — The inner voice that reads words aloud in your head can be silenced by using a pacer or text to speech tools.

    Speed reading and reading comprehension

    It is essential to note that speed reading does not mean sacrificing reading comprehension. Good comprehension is essential in retaining information and understanding the material fully. Therefore, it is important to practice good reading habits that allow you to retain the information you read. Check in with yourself periodically to make sure you understand what you’re reading. If you find yourself getting lost or confused, slow down and reread or take a break and come back to it later.

    How to use text to speech tools to become a speed reader

    One of the easiest ways to become a speed reader is to use text to speech tools like Speechify. These tools allow you to listen to text being read aloud at speeds of up to 4.5 times faster than normal. This means you can cover more material in less time and improve your reading speed and comprehension.

    Using text to speech tools is particularly helpful for those who struggle with subvocalization or the inner voice that often slows down reading speed. It also helps to reduce eye strain and allows you to read more text in less time, all while doing other activities like exercising, cooking or commuting.

    Become a speed reader with Speechify and boost productivity

    Have you ever wished you could read faster and retain more information at the same time? Well, with text to speech tools like Speechify, you can. This text to speech app converts any physical or digital text into various audio formats, allowing you to listen to study materials, documents, articles, emails, social media posts, other reading material, and more at up to 4.5 times the normal reading speed. Imagine being able to power through your work and read your assignments at a fraction of the reading time it normally takes. Speechify also has a feature that highlights words as it reads, helping you follow along and absorb the information more efficiently. Give Speechify a try for free and see just how much your reading speed and comprehension can improve today.

    FAQ

    What is the secret to read faster?

    The secret to reading faster is following the steps outlined in this article.

    How can I read 10x faster?

    Achieving a reading speed of 10x faster than your current pace is not realistic unless you utilize text to speech software that reads your material to you, like Speechify.

    Is it possible to learn to speed read?

    Yes, it is possible to learn how to speed read by following the steps in this article.

    How can I read faster than I am reading now?

    You can learn to read faster than you’re reading now by following the steps in this article or downloading the Speechify app and choosing a high-quality voice to read any text aloud to you at various speeds.

    How can I read faster without losing comprehension?

    Reading faster without losing comprehension requires training your brain to process information more efficiently. Tips to help you improve your reading speed while maintaining comprehension include using a pointer, reading in chunks, increasing your vocabulary, eliminating distractions, using text to speech software like Speechify to overcome subvocalization.

    How can I read faster with pictures?

    When reading with pictures, you can use your peripheral vision to take in more information at once. Try to focus on the center of the page while also paying attention to the images on the sides.

    Cliff Weitzman

    Cliff Weitzman

    Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.

    Dyslexia & Accessibility Advocate, CEO/Founder of Speechify Dyslexia & Accessibility Advocate, CEO/Founder of Speechify

    Recent Blogs

    • Ultimate guide to ElevenLabs
      Ultimate guide to ElevenLabs
      Arrow
    • Voice changer for Discord
      Voice changer for Discord
      Arrow
    • How to download YouTube audio
      How to download YouTube audio
      Arrow
    • Speechify 3.0 Released.
      Speechify 3.0 is the Best Text to Speech App Yet.
      Arrow
    • Voice API
      Voice API: Everything You Need to Know
      Arrow
    • Text to audio
      Best text to speech generator apps
      Arrow
    • The best AI tools other than ChatGPT
      The best AI tools other than ChatGPT
      Arrow
    • Top voice over marketplaces reviewed
      Top voice over marketplaces reviewed
      Arrow
    • Speechify Studio vs. Descript
      Speechify Studio vs. Descript
      Arrow
    • Google Cloud Text to Speech API
      Everything to Know About Google Cloud Text to Speech API
      Arrow
    • Source of Joe Biden deepfake revealed after election interference
      Source of Joe Biden deepfake revealed after election interference
      Arrow
    • How to listen to scientific papers
      How to listen to scientific papers
      Arrow
    • How to add music to CapCut
      How to add music to CapCut
      Arrow
    • What is CapCut?
      What is CapCut?
      Arrow
    • VEED vs. InVideo
      VEED vs. InVideo
      Arrow
    • Speechify Studio vs. Kapwing
      Speechify Studio vs. Kapwing
      Arrow
    • Voices.com vs. Voice123
      Voices.com vs. Voice123
      Arrow
    • Voices.com vs. Fiverr Voice Over
      Voices.com vs. Fiverr Voice Over
      Arrow
    • Fiverr voice overs vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Fiverr voice overs vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Arrow
    • Voices.com vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Voices.com vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Arrow
    • Voice123 vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Voice123 vs. Speechify Voice Over Studio
      Arrow
    • Voice123 vs. Fiverr voice overs
      Voice123 vs. Fiverr voice overs
      Arrow
    • HeyGen vs. Synthesia
      HeyGen vs. Synthesia
      Arrow
    • Hour One vs. Synthesia
      Hour One vs. Synthesia
      Arrow
    • HeyGen vs. Hour One
      HeyGen vs. Hour One
      Arrow
    • Speechify makes Google’s Favorite Chrome Extensions of 2023 list
      Speechify makes Google’s Favorite Chrome Extensions of 2023 list
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Vimeo Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      How to Add a Voice Over to Vimeo Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video: A Comprehensive Guide
      Arrow
    • What is Speech AI: Explained
      What is Speech AI: Explained
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The Best Celebrity Voice Generators in 2024
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      YouTube Text to Speech: Elevating Your Video Content with Speechify
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The 7 best alternatives to Synthesia.io
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Everything you need to know about text to speech on TikTok
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The 10 best text-to-speech apps for Android
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to convert a PDF to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The top girl voice changers
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to use Siri text to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Obama text to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Robot Voice Generators: The Futuristic Frontier of Audio Creation
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      PDF Read Aloud: Free & Paid Options
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Alternatives to FakeYou text to speech
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      All About Deepfake Voices
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      TikTok voice generator
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Text to speech GoAnimate
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The best celebrity text to speech voice generators
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      PDF Audio Reader
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to get text to speech Indian voices
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Elevating Your Anime Experience with Anime Voice Generators
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Best text to speech online
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Top 50 movies based on books you should read
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Download audio
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      How to use text-to-speech for Quandale Dingle meme sounds
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Top 5 apps that read out text
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      The top female text to speech voices
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Female voice changer
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Sonic text to speech voice generator online
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Best AI voice generators – The Ultimate List
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Voice changer
      Arrow
    • How to Add a Voice Over to Canva Video
      Text to speech in Powerpoint
      Arrow
    footer-waves