Detractors of speed reading assert that speed reading comprehension is not as good as when you are doing normal reading. This entails that even though speed readers can absorb words at a faster rate, the consequence is that they do not comprehend majority of it, defeating the primary purpose of reading. However, this is not totally true as you can still have a proper reading comprehension ability even when taking in huge amount of information. Here are several ways on how you can develop your speed reading comprehension.
First, keep in mind that speed reading is still a type of reading. And when reading a long piece literature, you have to be comfortable in order to understand it well. Thus to enhance speed reading comprehension, you have to read in a location where you can focus better. Avoid conducting speed reading in loud and packed areas. This will enable you to avoid disruptions and direct all of your cognitive processing to what you are reading.
Recognizing the thesis of the text is also a good way to develop speed reading comprehension. The main point contextualizes the text. Therefore you have to keep the main idea on your mind while you are conducting speed reading. This way, you already know what the content is about. You won’t get lost even when you are working your way quickly on vast amount of information. The thesis can be commonly found on the title or on the first few sentences so try not to miss it while skimming.
The last tip to improve speed reading comprehension is through practicing regularly. The quotation ‘practice makes perfect’ cannot be truer for speed reading. Speed reading becomes more effective when you train your eyes and mind to handle bigger amount of information at a time. You have to practice or apply speed reading everyday so that your mind will get used to this method of reading.
Remember that comprehension ability is not necessarily a tradeoff for speed reading. Following these speed reading comprehension tips will allow you to make the most out of this amazing method of reading.
