You’re Not Slow: Become a Speed Reader in 15 Minutes

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares techniques for dramatically increasing reading speed, having read over 200 books in a year despite a full-time medical career. The three main strategies include training the eyes to use peripheral vision, training the brain to accept comprehension loss and visualize text, and training attention to maintain focus. Practical advice includes using larger text and digital devices to adjust brightness and text size, as well as listening to audiobooks while reading. With practice, these methods help users triple their reading speed while maintaining comprehension, making reading more efficient and enjoyable.

Takeaways

• 😀 Train your eyes to use peripheral vision to read faster by focusing on the center of the text instead of just the beginning and end of each line.
• 😀 To speed up your reading, pick a book with larger text and avoid small font sizes which make speed reading harder.
• 😀 Start with a book you haven’t read before to avoid cheating your way through the exercise.
• 😀 Establish a baseline reading speed by measuring how long it takes to read a few pages and then calculate words per minute.
• 😀 Accept that some comprehension loss will occur while speed reading—aim for 70-80% comprehension to increase speed over time.
• 😀 Visualize the content you are reading to improve comprehension and retain information faster, especially when reading faster.
• 😀 Speed reading is tiring, so take breaks and practice in short, manageable sessions to avoid burnout.
• 😀 Use both a physical book and an audiobook for better focus and to prevent distractions during long reading sessions.
• 😀 Adjust the brightness and font size on digital devices like Kindles to make reading easier and less tiring.
• 😀 Speed reading is a skill that takes practice, so start with simpler texts and gradually challenge yourself with more complex material.
• 😀 Keep your reading environment quiet and comfortable to ensure maximum focus while speed reading.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind speed reading in the video?

The core idea is to increase reading speed by training your eyes, brain, and focus. The speaker explains techniques such as using peripheral vision to read faster, practicing with a slight loss in comprehension to build speed, and visualizing what you're reading to enhance retention.

Why does the speaker suggest using peripheral vision for speed reading?

Peripheral vision allows you to scan wider sections of text at once, instead of focusing on each individual word. This reduces the time it takes to read and improves the efficiency of your eye movements across the page.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with comprehension loss while speed reading?

The speaker recommends accepting a 70-80% comprehension level at the beginning. This helps to build speed without getting caught up in trying to understand everything perfectly. Over time, as your speed increases, so will your ability to comprehend at higher rates.

What role does visualization play in speed reading, according to the speaker?

Visualization is crucial for comprehension at higher reading speeds. By mentally picturing what you’re reading, you create a 'mental movie' that helps to retain and understand the material, even when reading quickly.

How should someone start training their eyes for speed reading?

Start with a physical book with clear, uninterrupted text and a slightly larger font. Focus on using your peripheral vision to scan the text more efficiently, instead of reading word by word. This will allow you to take in more information with less effort.

What is the importance of practicing with a new book or unfamiliar material?

Using a new book ensures that you’re not simply recalling previous knowledge, which could falsely inflate your reading speed. A fresh text challenges your brain to adapt to new information, stretching your reading skills more effectively.

What is the speaker's advice for maintaining focus during speed reading?

The speaker advises creating a quiet, distraction-free environment and adjusting the brightness and text size for comfort. Additionally, breaking your reading sessions into shorter, manageable periods and incorporating audiobooks can help maintain focus.

Why does the speaker prefer using digital devices like Kindles or iPads for speed reading?

Digital devices allow for easy adjustment of text size and brightness, making it easier to maintain comfort while reading quickly. Larger text and the ability to control screen brightness are key factors for reducing eye strain during speed reading.

What is the speaker's approach to dealing with particularly tiring speed reading sessions?

The speaker acknowledges that speed reading is mentally exhausting. To combat this, they recommend taking regular breaks, using a Kindle or iPad, and breaking the reading into shorter time blocks (e.g., 15-30 minutes) to avoid mental fatigue.

How does using an audiobook help with speed reading?

Listening to an audiobook while reading the physical text helps maintain focus and prevents distractions. The audio reinforces the material and keeps the reader engaged, which can be especially helpful when reading for longer periods.