by
Lubna Al-Sharif , Medical Laboratory Technician , Nablus Specailized Hospital
Dear Rama,
== Your question is very useful, and I mainly use speed reading technique in reading several scientific papers, in my field of interest, and even to learn more from our colleagues' answers and comments on questions presented at Bayt.com.
== By the way, Speed reading is used to improve one's ability to read quickly, including chunking ( individual responses when performing a memory task) and eliminating subvocalization (silent speech). The many available speed reading training programs include books, videos, software, and seminars.
== An average reading speed can range from200 to350 words per minute, but that rate can vary depending on the material and your reading experience.
== It's also important to understand what you are reading--even when you improve your speed.
==To improve your reading speed, you can do the following:
- 1- Get rid of distractions: you can probably increase your speed if you reduce distractions to a bare minimum. Try to find a solitary place to read, and turn off the TV, radio and cell phone.
- 2- Preview the material you're going to read. Look at main headings, chapter divisions, and other relevant material--to develop clues about the structure of the work.
- 3- Hold your book, or whatever you're reading, at a30-degree angle to your eyes. Never read material lying flat on a table or desk, to avoid eye fatigue, dry eye and irritation." Adjust the angle of your computer screen to30 degrees also.
-4-Move Your Head Left to Right as You Read: moving your head slightly back and forth while you read helps stabilize images on your retina, and also helps you to stop reading individual words and read phrases instead.
- 5- Adjust your reading speed as you read the material. Slow down when you need to be sure that you comprehend a section of material. Speed up if you are already familiar with (or don't need to know) other sections.
- 6- Time your current reading speed. Not only will timing help you to tell if you're improving, but it will also keep you motivated. Computer programs like Speed Reader or Rapid Reader can be helpful in speed reading improvement.
- 6- Focus on the key words in the sentences can be another way to improve your reading speed. Try to find patterns of repeated words, key ideas, bold print and other indicators of important concepts. A significant amount of reading time is wasted on conjunctions, prepositions, or articles.
- 7- Read with a Pointer: by using a pen, laser, or pointer of some kind, even your finger, to underline each sentence as you read. The pointer works as a focal point to draw your eye across the line or down the page, and helps you create a pace and focuses your attention on the page.
- 8- Determine a reading schedule that works for you. You may find that you can't concentrate on the material for more than an hour (or a half hour). Also select a time of the day when you are alert and ready to read.
- 9- Practice. Practice. Practice. The best way to improve your reading speed is to practice reading. Try out some of these techniques, and then perfect the strategies that work best for you.
