How to Increase Reading Speed.

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces techniques to improve reading speed and comprehension. By exploring the science of neuroplasticity, they explain how our brains can be trained to read faster without losing understanding. The video provides practical tips such as eliminating subvocalization, using humming and a pointer to enhance focus, and utilizing peripheral vision reading to boost reading speed. Additionally, it suggests apps like Spritz and SpeedReader to track progress. With regular practice, these techniques can help users read faster, retain more information, and complete their reading materials in less time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Howard Stephen Berg holds the world record for the fastest reading speed, reading 25,000 words per minute.
• 😀 Speed reading can be achieved without compromising comprehension, with the help of specific techniques.
• 😀 The concept of neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and learn to read words efficiently and retain them.
• 😀 A major challenge in speed reading is 'subvocalization', where the brain processes words slower than the eyes move, reducing reading speed.
• 😀 Eliminating subvocalization can increase reading speed significantly, and keeping the brain engaged through additional activities can help.
• 😀 One effective technique to reduce subvocalization is humming while reading, which engages the brain in dual tasks and increases speed.
• 😀 Another technique is using a pointer, like a pen, to guide the eyes along the text, which helps synchronize the brain's processing speed with the eyes.
• 😀 Peripheral vision can be trained to increase reading speed by helping you see more words at once, improving speed by up to 40%.
• 😀 To improve peripheral vision for reading, practice reading with lines drawn across the page, skipping the beginning and end words of each line.
• 😀 There are apps and tools available, such as Spritz and Spreeder, which can track progress and provide feedback, helping to improve reading speed.

Q & A

What is the world record for the fastest reading speed?

The world record for the fastest reading speed is 25,000 words per minute, set by Howard Stephen Berg.

What is the main challenge when trying to read faster?

The main challenge is that when trying to read faster, we may not properly comprehend or absorb the information, often due to subvocalization.

What is subvocalization, and how does it affect reading speed?

Subvocalization is the process where we 'speak' the words in our mind as we read. This slows down reading speed because the brain cannot process words as fast as the eyes move.

How can one eliminate subvocalization while reading?

One effective way to eliminate subvocalization is by engaging the brain in another task, such as humming or using a pointer to trace the words while reading.

What is the benefit of using humming while reading?

Humming while reading keeps the brain engaged with an additional task, which helps to align the brain’s speed with the reading speed, making it easier to retain information.

How does using a pointer help in increasing reading speed?

Using a pointer, such as a pen, to trace the lines while reading improves concentration, ensuring the brain stays focused on the text, which helps increase reading speed.

What is peripheral vision, and how can it improve reading speed?

Peripheral vision refers to the ability to see words on the edges of our focus area. It helps in reading faster by allowing us to comprehend multiple words at once, which can increase reading speed by up to 40%.

How can one practice improving peripheral vision for reading?

To practice peripheral vision, one can draw a line through each page's start and end, leaving out words in between, and gradually adjust to reading the page by focusing on the middle portion, using peripheral vision.

What is the logic behind adjusting reading speed during practice?

The logic is similar to driving: initially, one may feel uncomfortable increasing speed, but once comfortable, they can maintain a higher speed with better control. Similarly, increasing reading speed and then adjusting it gradually helps maintain comprehension and retention.

What are some tools available to help improve reading speed?

There are various apps and tools like 'Spreeder' and 'Spds' that track reading progress, provide feedback, and assist in enhancing reading speed, acting as personal trainers for speed reading.