How to Speed Read | Tim Ferriss

Summary

In this informative video, Tim Ferriss discusses proven techniques to enhance reading speed without compromising comprehension. He demonstrates how to calculate words per page, establish a baseline reading speed, and use methods like narrowing reading lines, utilizing peripheral vision, and employing a pacer to reduce fixation points. He also suggests pushing the reading pace slightly beyond comfort to reset the reading speed set point. Ferriss promises that following these steps could significantly increase one's reading speed, allowing for a more efficient exploration of the vast world of literature.

Takeaways

• 📚 Tim Ferriss discusses techniques for improving reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.
• 📈 To measure reading speed, count the words per page and establish a baseline by reading for one minute at your normal pace.
• 🔍 Use the peripheral vision to your advantage by drawing lines on the page to focus on the middle third of the text, which can potentially double reading speed.
• 👀 Understand that the eye jumps from fixation point to fixation point while reading, and use this knowledge to minimize regression and back skipping.
• 👆 Use a pacer, like your finger, to track and move through the text, which can help in maintaining a forward reading path and reducing fixation points.
• ⏫ Experiment with reading slightly faster than your normal comprehension allows to reset your comfort set point for reading speed.
• 🔄 After practicing the techniques, retest your reading speed to measure the improvement.
• 🚀 Tim suggests that following these instructions could improve reading speed by at least 50%, and some may even triple or quadruple their speed.
• 📘 The script uses 'How to Get Filthy Rich' and 'Vagabonding' as examples to demonstrate the reading speed techniques.
• 🎓 Tim Ferriss emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanics of the eye and optical perception for optimizing reading on the printed page.
• 🎙️ The video also promotes the Tim Ferriss Show, highlighting its success and the value it provides by interviewing world-class performers across various fields.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker in the video script is Tim Ferriss, an author known for his books such as 'The 4-Hour Workweek' and 'Tools of Titans'.

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is how to improve reading speed without sacrificing comprehension, debunking pseudoscience around speed reading.

What are the two books used by Tim Ferriss to demonstrate reading techniques?

The two books used for demonstration are 'How to Get Filthy Rich and Rising' and 'Vagabonding'.

What is the first step suggested by Tim Ferriss to measure reading speed?

The first step suggested is to figure out the average number of words per page in the book by counting the words in ten lines and then dividing the total by ten.

How does Tim Ferriss recommend establishing a baseline reading speed?

He recommends establishing a baseline by reading for one minute at your normal speed and then calculating the words per minute (WPM) rate.

What technique does Tim Ferriss suggest to utilize peripheral vision for reading?

He suggests drawing lines on the pages, indenting one word from either side, to train the eyes to focus on the middle third of the page and read in a zigzag pattern.

How can minimizing fixation points help with reading speed according to the script?

Minimizing fixation points helps by reducing the time spent on each page, as the eyes do not need to bounce back or bounce up, maintaining a forward reading path.

What is the purpose of using a pacer while reading according to Tim Ferriss?

Using a pacer helps to maintain a consistent reading pace, prevents back skipping, and keeps the eyes from bouncing up to previously read material.

What does Tim Ferriss suggest to do to temporarily increase reading speed?

He suggests reading slightly faster than your comprehension allows for a short period to reset your comfort set point in reading speed.

How does Tim Ferriss propose to retest reading speed after applying the new techniques?

He proposes to retest by using the techniques of indenting from either side and using a pacer while ensuring full comprehension, to measure the new words per minute rate.

What are the potential outcomes of following Tim Ferriss's reading techniques?

The potential outcomes include improving reading speed by at least fifty percent for most people, with some possibly doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling their reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.