How To Read Faster
If you're tired of plodding through books at a snail's pace, you're not alone. I used to be a painfully slow reader myself, barely making a dent in my reading list. But with some simple strategies, I transformed my reading habits and devoured over 50 books in just two years. Here's how you can do it too.
Tips to Read Faster
1. Stop Subvocalization- See words, don't hear them
Most people's reading speed is limited to their talking speed because they are ‘hearing’ themselves read aloud. You can process information much faster than this (like watching university lectures at 1.5x speed.
TIP: Press your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Focus on seeing words and not hearing them.
2. Regression - Stop rereading things
Have you ever been reading a book and thought, wow, I’ve read this sentence three times. I have to, it kills your reading speed.
TIP: Use a pacer. Use a pen or a pencil to ‘pace’ along under the words you’re reading. It helps your eyes to focus and it helps control (or increase) the speed at which you read. Tim Ferris has a great video explaining this: How to Speed Read | Tim Ferriss
3. Be An Active Reader
It sounds obvious but being interested in the book you are reading is critical. Knowing why you are reading the book keeps you engaged and focused.
TIP: Before you read a book write down clear objectives of what you want to learn or do. For example, from this book I want to learn X.
How to Effectively Read
This is the macro process of how I read a book from start to finish. At first it looks long and slow but it will be faster in reality, it also builds your interest in the book:
Read front and back covers
This gives you context about the book
Read the Table of Contents
Again, gives you further context and gives you an understanding of the trajectory of the book.
Highlight key headings that align with your objectives.
Pre-read 1 - Skim the book - 10 seconds per page looking at key headings and diagrams.
Further building context with the book and style.
Highlight key headings and diagrams that align with your objective.
Pre-read 2 - Spend 30 seconds reading each page that you highlighted in pre-read 1.
Read - read the book using the tips above.
Reading has been a game-changer in my life, opening doors to knowledge and wisdom from diverse sources. Remember, you are the average of the company you keep, so why not elevate your circle with insights from the greatest minds in history? Give these strategies a try, and watch as your reading speed and comprehension soar.
DAY ONE.