Many students need to study speed reading because they have bad reading or study habits. In most cases, when we learn to speed read or when we learn to read, we feel pressured by someone or something. Many students cite examples such as problems at home, with the teacher/other students, or problems with tests. This can lead to misassociations with reading (speed reading), which may explain why some people do not read for pleasure, but only when they have to.
Consequently, if you are looking for ‘how to speed read’, you should look for techniques to relax your mind before you begin. This study skill can extend to exams and any problem study areas you have. In most cases, the ‘problem’ is in how you approach it. There are probably a plethora of solutions available, but they’re hard to see when you’re sabotaging yourself by sticking to your old ways.
The first study skill students should cultivate before speed reading is the ability to relax the mind. A very simple method is to take 10 deep breaths. When you do, keep your attention solely on the area at the base of your nose. This is a very general study skill as well.
The next step can be taken after you are sure of your reading comprehension. You can now tell someone the main message of an article after you finish reading it. Start timing yourself when you quickly read an A4 page. How long did it take? Measuring your progress with a stopwatch is an essential study asset whenever you want to increase your efficiency. Try to move your eyes faster. Try not to say anything in your mind, look for important words that can sum up the main message for you.
Look up the keywords in the previous paragraph. Have you understood the main message? Are you reading ‘speed’? Like seeing colors giving key words/phrases prominence while reading, move your eyes faster!
Typical college students verbalize the text in their mind while studying a paper. Undoubtedly, this is an ordinary process and can help us understand the basic elements of the text. However, to maximize your speed reading technique, reading without verbalizing in your mind is an excellent reading skill. Just keep your eyes moving over the words without verbalizing them in your mind. If you’re having trouble, move your eyes fast enough to register the words, but don’t say them in your head. First do this with 2 sentences and then check that you understand the main message. You may find it helpful to move an extra 20 cm away from the computer or from the text.