A
Closer Look at Speed Reading
Reading has always been a part of our lives. From the
brand of shampoo we use, the label of the coffee sachet
that tells you it is sugar free, to the bills on buses
that will head you to your destination -- every step corresponds
to reading a phrase, but not necessarily to understand.
Simply Reading Versus Understanding
Reading is a way of comprehending what a phrase says
by realizing the form and relation of written and indicated
characters. It is a process that involves word identification,
discernment, eloquence and fluency. Reading must accompany
understanding. Since we were kids, we were all taught
to learn to read and to read to learn.
To read between the lines is a very tough job, especially
for people who cannot find pleasure in reading. Learning
to read is a very easy thing to do, but learning to understand
what a statement really means is another story. All is
not lost, though, as there are techniques to help you
change your approach to this activity. Focus is the key.
This means you should try to hone in on the things you
want to learn about and then just let your imagination
do the rest.
The Advantage of A Speed Reader
Speed Reading is a method that boosts both the speed
at which phrases and statements can be absorbed and the
level of comprehension of the material. If you know how
to speed-read, you get to enjoy several advantages. These
include a rapid absorption of an ample size and volume
of information and less strain on your eyes.
There are techniques provided to help you do speed reading.
You can scan quickly the line being read with a pointer.
It's like this: your eyes follow your pointer, which eventually
helps polish the flow of your reading. Speed reading is
an aggregation of techniques that allow readers to double
their speed compared the usual. What's more, it isn't
just about reading books in a matter of time, but also
about understanding and absorbing what you had just read.
It has been said that the least time needed for a preoccupation
and fixation is one fourth of a second. By minimizing
the time you take to read, you will have a better chance
of picking up more vital information.
1. Increasing the number of words in each block:
This needs a conscious effort. Try to expand the number
of words that you read at a time: With practice, you'll
find you read faster. You may also find that you can
increase the number of words in each block by holding
the text a little further from your eyes. The more words
you can read in each block, the faster you will read!
2. Reducing fixation time:
The minimum length of time needed to read each block
is probably only a quarter of a second. By pushing yourself
to reduce the time you take, you will get better at
picking up information quickly. Again, this is a matter
of practice and confidence.
3. Reducing skip-back:
To reduce the number of times that your eyes skip back
to a previous sentence, run a pointer along the line
as you read. This could be a finger, or a pen or pencil.
Your eyes will follow the tip of your pointer, smoothing
the flow of your reading. The speed at which you read
using this method will largely depend on the speed at
which you move the pointer.
Speed reading can make reading a better and more pleasurable
experience. It reduces eye strain, increases your comprehension,
and reduces the time you need to absorb and assimilate
the material. This helps the reader pay attention to a
longer story or a book and gain information from it, which
would otherwise be overlooked.
Reading endeavors to have a psyche -- the very core of
learning all about life itself. It aids in discussing
your developing value system and even provides you with
choices that help you think and live your life. Character
building cannot and does not happen overnight, but there
can be a shortcut to it. You should learn to read -- you
read to learn and, eventually, you will learn to live.
|
