10 Reasons For Improving Your Reading Speed

The invention of television has resulted to more people turning to the idiot box for their education and entertainment needs. The proliferation of home movies has discouraged more and more people from reading. Despite this, reading remains a very important factor in the acquisition of knowledge.

While watching and listening to audio and video programs continue to influence people from all walks of life, it cannot be denied that reading remains an important aspect of one's daily life. Believe it or not, an adult spends at least an hour a day for reading. Everybody is faced with the task of reading something, from the morning newspapers, to one's phone or power bills, to memos in the office or letters that are sent through snail mail or through emails.

Despite constant practice in reading books, newspapers, computer articles and other reading materials, it is sad to note that the average reader only has a reading speed of 200 to 300 words per minute, with a comprehension rate of 50 to 60 percent. Experts attribute this to numerous reading problems.

While others have a problem with subvocalization (which means reading the words internally or mentally), some people have the opposite problem of reading the words aloud. Both cause a delay in reading because the readers still has to wait for the word to be heard, either mentally or through the ears, before he comprehends the word.

Re-reading is also one of the common problems that hinder fast reading. This means that the reader reads a word or group of words more than once.

The problem with faulty fixations is also a common problem that delays reading speed. A reader with fixation problem has a tendency to stare at a word longer before proceeding to the next series of words. While those with fixation problems tend to linger at a word, those with concentration problems could not concentrate on what is being read.

Reading is a skill that relies on the coordination between the mind and the eyes. Just like a person's skill in walking, one's reading skill can be improved through several methods. If you want to improve your reading skills, then you must set your goals and target. First, take a speed reading test, and then determine your comprehension rate. To get your reading efficiency rate, multiply your reading speed and your comprehension rate. Goal setting allows you to focus on what you want to achieve, where you are and where you want to go.

To develop faster reading skills, you must first know the purpose of your reading. A leisurely reading of a book or a magazine need not be under time pressure but people usually read lifestyle article faster than serious and technical books.

Since serious books require serious reading, you must first familiarize yourself with the reading material. Check for blurbs or summaries at the back of the book as this may give you a general view of what the book is all about. It will also do you good to check out one or two reviews about the book, the number of chapters and pages and whether or not the author used pictures or diagrams, for easy reading and comprehension.

But why do you have to go through all this just so you can increase your reading speed? What's in it for you? In other words, what is the motivation for speed reading?

1. Speed reading makes reading more fun and less cumbersome. If you can read fast, then you can instantly get to the point that the author is getting to.

2. Learn new things at lesser amount of time. One of the motivations behind reading is one's thirst for knowledge. With speed reading, you will be able to explore new horizons in a short span of time.

3. Higher grades for students of whatever level. Students usually get more reading materials as they are required to submit reviews, papers and other assignments almost everyday. An increased reading speed will not only mean lesser time for doing assignments. It will also enable the students to have a more enjoyable educational experience.

4. Efficient job performance. Office workers usually get their share of reading materials from emails, reports and other office correspondence. A worker who can read faster will be able to finish his job on time. This means he can do more work, or he can spend more time for rest or personal improvement activities.

5. Spend extra time for other activities. With a faster reading speed, you will be able to finish reading your assignments, reports and letters faster. With this, you will have more time for housework, sports, or any activity you have in mind.

6. Increase competence in other aspects. A fast reader would be able to absorb reading materials faster, thus enabling him to grasp new ideas faster.

7. Increase in confidence and self esteem. An increased reading speed can result to more self confidence because you know you are able to accomplish something which other people have trouble doing. Being ahead of the pack will improve your self esteem.

8. Better comprehension. Others believe that the faster you read, the lesser you understand. This is not true because studies have linked faster reading rate with increased comprehension. Being able to read word groups means being able to understand its contextual meaning.

9. Diversified knowledge. If you read fast, you can read other documents at lesser time. This means you will be able to get a variety of information in a short span of time. This will give you diversified knowledge.

10. Improvement in one's finances. If you can read faster than the ordinary guy, then you can finish your reading necessities in a short time. Thus, you will have more time to spend improving your financial status by reading how to books, business strategies and the likes.

Best wishes,

Sean Babb
http://www.deepwing.com