Learn How To Speed Read - Best Speed Reading Techniques

Quick Overview

The video outlines seven key tips for drastically increasing reading speed, asserting that the average person reads only 200-250 words per minute, and emphasizes eliminating sub-vocalization and visual regression while actively guiding the eyes across the page faster than perceived possible.

Key Points: The average person reads between 200 to 250 words per minute, which is significantly slower than the potential speed achievable with practice. Tip 1 suggests previewing the book by reading the Table of Contents, reviews, and chapter summaries to prime the brain for the main ideas. Tip 2 is to stop sub-vocalizing (silently saying the words) while reading, suggesting techniques like chewing gum to occupy the mouth and prevent this. Tip 3 recommends listening to classical music (like Mozart or Beethoven) while reading, as studies show it can improve reading speed by relaxing the brain. Tip 4 requires using a visual guide, such as a finger or pen, to force the eyes to move across the page without regressing (Tip 5: Visual Regression). Tip 5 focuses on overcoming visual regression (eyes bouncing back over words already read) by forcing the eye to follow the visual guide. Tip 7 is the final push: consciously force yourself to read faster than you think is possible, using the guide to maintain speed and retention.

Context: The video provides a step-by-step tutorial, presented by a male speaker in a plaid shirt against a white background, detailing seven practical techniques designed to help viewers increase their reading speed significantly, potentially doubling or tripling their current rate.

Detailed Analysis

The video presents seven essential tips for improving reading speed, starting with the premise that most people read slowly, averaging 200-250 words per minute (00:26). Tip 1 advises previewing the material by reading the Table of Contents, reviews, and chapter summaries to prepare the brain for the content (00:39). Tip 2 strictly forbids sub-vocalization—the act of silently saying words—as it limits reading speed to speaking speed; chewing gum is suggested to help curb this habit (00:53). Tip 3 suggests that listening to classical music, specifically composers like Mozart or Beethoven, can relax the brain and improve reading speed (1:18). Tip 4 emphasizes actively following the text with a finger, pen, or highlighter to guide the eyes across the page (1:40). This directly combats Tip 5, which is avoiding visual regression—the habit of the eyes bouncing backward over previously read words (2:07). Tip 6 suggests skimming by reading only the first and last sentence of each paragraph, then quickly scanning the middle to grasp the gist (3:20). The final and most crucial tip, Tip 7, demands that the reader actively pushes themselves to read faster than they believe is possible, using the visual guide to maintain a pace that doubles or triples their current speed, leading to amazing retention (3:44). The speaker concludes by encouraging viewers to use an on-screen link to calculate their baseline reading speed.