How you can double up your reading speed in 30 days

Let's explore the methods to double up your reading speed in just 30 days with the right techniques and practice.

How you can double up your reading speed in 30 days
Photo by Aaron Burden / Unsplash

Reading is an essential skill that we use every day, whether it's for work, school, or leisure. However, many people struggle with slow reading speed, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. The good news is that it's possible to double up your reading speed in just 30 days with the right techniques and practice.

Practice Speed Reading

Speed reading is a technique that involves training your eyes and brain to read faster. The idea is to reduce the amount of time spent on individual words and increase the pace at which you move through the text.

One way to practice speed reading is to use a timer and read a passage of text for a set amount of time. Start with short intervals, such as 30 seconds, and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.

The goal is to read the text as quickly as possible without sacrificing comprehension.

Eliminate Subvocalization

Subvocalization is the habit of silently pronouncing words in your head as you read. While this may seem like a helpful technique, it actually slows down reading speed significantly.

To eliminate subvocalization, focus on looking at groups of words rather than individual words. Try to visualize the meaning of the sentence without sounding it out in your head.

Use Peripheral Vision

Another way to increase reading speed is to use your peripheral vision. Instead of reading word by word, try to focus on the center of the text and use your peripheral vision to take in the surrounding words. This can help you read more quickly and efficiently.

Avoid Distractions

Distractions can significantly slow down reading speed, so it's important to eliminate them as much as possible. Find a quiet, comfortable space to read, and turn off any devices or notifications that may interrupt your concentration.

Improve Your Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary can help you read more quickly and with better comprehension. The more words you know, the easier it is to understand and process text. One way to improve your vocabulary is to read regularly and make notes of unfamiliar words. Look up their meanings and try to use them in context to help solidify their meaning.

Dictozo can help you with that. Dictozo highlights the difficult words with their meaning while reading any word online. So you don't have to recall the word again and again. It's a chrome extension and is free to use.

Use Technology

Technology can be a valuable tool for increasing reading speed. There are several apps and tools available that can help you read more quickly and efficiently. For example, the Spritz app uses a technique called Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to display text one word at a time at a rapid pace, which can help train your eyes to move more quickly through the text.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, reading speed takes practice to improve. Commit to set aside time each day to practice speed reading techniques and track your progress. Set specific goals for yourself, such as reading a certain number of words per minute, and work towards achieving them.

Some additional tips for improving your reading speed include using a guide to help you move through the text more quickly, such as a pen or your finger. This can help train your eyes to move more quickly through the text and prevent them from skipping around. Additionally, taking breaks can help maintain focus and avoid eye strain.

Another helpful technique is to preview the text before diving in. This means scanning the text for headings, subheadings, and keywords before beginning to read. This can give you a better idea of what to expect from the text and help you read more efficiently.

It's also important to note that while speed reading can be a helpful technique, it's not always the best approach for every type of reading material. For example, if you're reading a complex technical manual or legal document, it may be more important to read slowly and carefully to ensure you understand the content.

Lastly, it's important to remember that reading speed is not the only factor that determines reading efficiency. Comprehension is equally important, and it's essential to take the time to ensure that you understand and retain the information you're reading.

In conclusion, doubling your reading speed in 30 days is possible with the right techniques and consistent practice.

By incorporating speed reading techniques, eliminating subvocalization, using peripheral vision, avoiding distractions, improving your vocabulary, using technology, and practicing regularly, you can significantly increase your reading speed while maintaining comprehension.

With dedication and effort, you can develop the skills necessary to become a more efficient and effective reader.