How2Day: Speedreading Tools

Efficient workers read quickly. RunPhoto/Digital Vision/Getty Images
People use speed-reading techniques to manage time and contend with high volumes of reports, emails and other information in a more efficient manner. Methodical techniques can alleviate "bad" habits that slow down reading progress. Originally developed by a reading teacher named Evelyn Wood in the 1960s, speed-reading tools are still adapted and used to improve reading habits, comprehension, speed and productivity.

Goals can focus readers on the specific purpose of the current reading task. Some goals might include searching for as many facts as possible, trying to read a number of words per minute, reading for a set amount of time or choosing to use a particular scanning method during the reading task.

Passive readers, or readers who just go through the motions and do not fully engage with the text, tend to drift off, lose focus and retain very little information. Reading speed and comprehension improves when readers employ active reading habits, such as sitting up straight, setting time limits, removing distractions and reading with a pencil as a sight guide.

Quickly reading through material helps readers preview the text, gather general ideas and prepare initial questions. These first impressions help readers absorb more information during a second reading. Before previewing, readers can make predictions about the text as a method of preparation.

Dennis Doyle, a professor of English and reading, provides brief descriptions of "Self-Pacing Methods" on the Glendale Community College website that train the eyes to move methodically across the page: sliding the fingers directly down the center of the page; gliding the fingers from left to right across the page; using a note card to cover up the text and sliding the card downward to reveal one line at a time; using the fingers to rhythmically jump twice across each line of text or using the hand to scan diagonally downward across two or three lines, and then diagonally downward in the opposite direction.

Sifting and sorting entails methodically searching out key terms and vital concepts and separating the key ideas from the less-important language. Predictable writing structures can help readers guess where to find the information more quickly; for instance, speed readers often focus on the first and last lines of the paragraphs to pull key information out of topic sentences.

Subvocalizing is a term that describes readers who read under their breath or mouth the words to themselves. This phonetics-based reading technique is one many learn in elementary school, but once readers are proficient, it slows readers down unnecessarily.

When reading, the eyes may scan erratically, back-track or stall on words or phrases. If a readers scans in a deliberate way, she can avoid the unnecessary habits, such as stalling, looping and drifting. MindTools.com suggests pointing at words with a pencil to eliminate "skip-back."

To pick up momentum, speed readers look for sets or words or "chunks" of text, because the brain can process units of information more quickly than it can process discrete sets of words. For instance, if a person reads "effective speed reading tips" as a whole unit -- "effectivespeedreadingtips" -- he will understand the concept just as well but naturally move faster across the page.

Speed-reading practice exercises, such as timed drills or exercises that assess fact recall, can improve skills over time and solidify productive habits. Likewise, alternating reading techniques helps readers stay engaged.

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