How to Increase Reading Speed

Get an eye exam to rule out any vision problems.

Students studying for an exam might wish they could read faster. So might executives staring at a stack of reports. Some reading techniques can help you increase your reading speed. With practice, you may get through a stack of textbooks faster than you ever have before.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Have your eyes checked. A vision problem may be slowing you down when you read.

2. Get an overview of the subject matter before you start a book. Take a look at the table of contents, abstract, summary or overview sections. This may help you better comprehend the subject and move faster through the back.

3. Avoid reading word by word; try to read phrases or blocks of words at once. It is usually not necessary to read each word to comprehend the subject matter.

4. Read silently. It takes longer to read and articulate a word out loud than it does to read to yourself.

5. While reading a book, just read. Don't break the pace by highlighting passages.

6. Choose a calm time to read and a location without distractions. A suitable reading environment alone may help you increase your reading speed.

7. Use your finger or a pen to track the current line and follow it down the page. This will keep you from backtracking and rereading sections, which slows you down.
   .

References

• Western Michigan University: Increasing Your Reading Rate
• Rasmussen College: Pick Up The Pace - Suggestions For Improving Reading Speed