Speed Reading Books
Books on speed reading
When most people read, they tend to sound the words out either silently with their mouth or in their mind (sub vocalization). This is the main reason so many people read slowly, because it takes much longer to “say” the words than it does to see and recognize them. A speed reading book will usually go into great detail about this concept, but only practicing reading fast and letting go of the old habit will train you to speed read.
Another habit many people have is to re-read words they have already seen. Some people do this purely because they find it difficult to concentrate and others lack confidence in their ability to comprehend the information after reading it once. A good speed reading program will provide exercises you can perform regularly to learn to trust your mind to understand and remember information from a single, instant glance. Reading a speed reading book will give you insight into the technique so you can attempt to train yourself, but again this is not as effective.
Pretty much every person spends their first couple of years of school learning to read and this is done one word at a time. What is so widely unrecognized is the fact that groups of words, common combinations and patterns and words that are used daily are so ingrained in the mind, they can be comprehended instantly. This means every person has the ability to see a whole sentence and know straight away what it says: This is quite a contrast to taking the time to sound each word out in your mind.
Again, a speed reading book can inform you of this bad habit held by so many, but it is unlikely to provide effective exercises such as those offered by speed reading software. With speed reading software you can begin with flash exercises: Words will be flashed on the screen for you to either type or choose from a multiple selection. The speed will start slow, quickening as your accuracy improves. When you master a particular speed, the program will progress to multiple words and eventually sentences.
Speed reading books are great for people who already use speed reading techniques and are perhaps interested in learning more about the subject. They are also excellent for those who have used speed reading software and have the ability to read rapidly, but haven’t learned about old habits that could still potentially be holding them back. A speed reading book should go hand in hand with speed reading software or a speed reading program for maximum benefits to be received.
