I confess that Bill Gates gives me some healthy envy. Not only for having a checking account that resembles a telephone number with so many figures, but also for his exceptional ability to read more than 50 books a year . I have tried to match this impressive feat, but it has proven to be impossible for me. Nevertheless, I refuse to throw in the towel.
Scientific evidence reveals that there is a crucial balance between the speed of reading and the ability to understand and retain content. However, with adequate practice, this balance can be improved, enabling accelerated reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.
Research conducted by universities like that of Guayaquil suggests that reading speed can increase significantly with proper techniques. An average reader typically processes between 200 and 400 words per minute . However, through rapid reading training, speeds can reach up to 1,000 or even 1,700 words per minute .
<img alt="A book that significantly impacts life: 14 recommendations from Xataka editors" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/48b6b1/becca-tapert-gny_mw1q6xc-unsplash/375_142.jpeg"/>Strike a Balance
Fast reading is particularly useful for processing extensive texts superficially. It provides general ideas or specific information rather than a detailed understanding or deep analysis. Fast reading is beneficial when seeking specific details or when you already possess prior knowledge of the subject matter.
The factors contributing to slow reading speeds include:
- Subvocalization: This refers to the habit of mentally pronouncing the words being read. It limits reading speed since the visual interpretation of each word is vocalized as if one were reading aloud.
- Word-by-word reading: This significantly decreases the global comprehension of the text.
- Regression: This involves re-reading multiple times or losing the flow when searching for the next line of text.
- Low concentration: This negatively impacts both speed and retention rates.
</div>Quick Reading Techniques
Science shows that improving reading speed is not a magical phenomenon; rather, it stems from deliberate training. Techniques to enhance eye movements, expand vocabulary, and utilize strategies for improved comprehension lead to faster reading rates.
1. Fragmentation
This technique involves avoiding the habit of reading word by word. Instead, you should focus on groups of words . Starting with pairs, you can gradually increase the grouping as you practice. Initially, this might feel unusual, but the brain can recognize word formations based on their morphology, which helps improve speed.
Instead of reading this:
In-a-place-of-the-scan-of-whose-name-no-quiero-alleging
You will soon be able to read it like this:
In a place-of the stain-of whose name-I do not want to remember.
With practice, you’ll decrease the frequency of pauses.
<img alt="Books recommended by millionaires and successful people for 2024: Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Barack Obama" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/401727/lectura/375_142.jpeg"/>2. Use a Visual Guide
One common barrier to effective reading is losing your place, which disrupts the reading flow. A simple solution is to use your finger or a visual guide to indicate where you should read next. If you’re using a screen, a mouse pointer can serve this purpose. On mobile devices or tablets, the screen’s edge can help maintain your place, thus preserving reading inertia.
3. Read Faster Than Your Inner Voice
If you find yourself mentally vocalizing words as you read, you’re likely not reading quickly enough. This phenomenon, known as subvocalization , slows you down. To counter this, train yourself to read faster than your brain can vocalize. By doing so, you’ll encourage your brain to prioritize visual processing over auditory comprehension.
4. Infinite Look
Like any other muscle, your ocular muscles also require training for better performance. One method involves practicing what can be termed an infinite look , wherein your eyes move in a smooth, sweeping motion across text blocks. Drawing an infinity symbol (∞) can help this practice by fostering a more efficient visual sweep, improving your ability to read words in blocks rather than line by line.
Image sources: Unsplash (Thought Catalog, Eliott Reyna)