Have you ever stood in front of a huge pile of books and thought, "How on earth am I going to read all of this?" You're not alone. For book lovers and professionals alike, the reading list can seem like a mountain that keeps growing. But what if I told you there's a way to climb that mountain faster than you ever imagined?

Welcome to Speed Reading.

But what exactly is Speed Reading? Is it just a fad, or can it really change the way you absorb information? Let's dive deeper.

Speed Reading: The Basics

Speed Reading is essentially what it sounds like: reading quickly. But it’s not just about skimming through pages. True speed readers absorb information much faster while still understanding it.

Most of us read at a pace of about 150-300 words per minute (WPM), roughly the speed at which we speak. With Speed Reading techniques, we can double, triple, or even quadruple that speed. Imagine reading your favorite book in a fraction of the time it usually takes! Tempting, right?

A Brief History of Speed Reading

You might be surprised to hear that Speed Reading isn't a new phenomenon. The concept has been around for some time, but it became truly popular in the mid-20th century.

One of the earliest roots of speed reading dates back to World War II. Pilots were trained to quickly identify enemy aircraft by showing them images at increasingly shorter intervals. This training enhanced their ability to recognize and process visual information more quickly. The idea was simple: the faster you can process what you see, the faster you can react—a crucial skill in life-threatening situations.

 Based on this, the American teacher Evelyn Wood popularized speed reading in the 1950s. Legend has it that Wood discovered speed reading quite by accident. While trying to read a particularly dense text, she noticed that she could read faster if she ran her hand across the page. From this observation, she developed a method known as "Reading Dynamics," which emphasized the use of a hand or finger as a reading aid—a key technique in modern speed reading.

Wood's method gained significant attention, especially after reports that President John F. Kennedy used Speed Reading to manage the massive amounts of information he had to digest daily. In the 1960s, Speed Reading courses popped up across the U.S., and people were excited to increase their reading speed.

Since then, Speed Reading has evolved, incorporating insights from psychology and cognitive sciences to refine and make techniques more effective. The digital age has further fueled interest in Speed Reading, as the amount of information we need to process continues to grow.

How Does Speed Reading Work?

Okay, that sounds cool, but how does it actually work? The core of Speed Reading lies in a few key techniques:

Reducing Subvocalization: This is the technical term for the voice in your head that reads each word aloud as you read. It’s comforting, sure, but it also slows you down. Speed Readers train to minimize this inner voice, allowing them to process text faster.

As Hegel once said: ‘To read the text is to understand its spirit’,suggesting that reading is not just a mechanical act, but a philosophical exercise to grasp the essence of the content. By reducing subvocalisation, speed readers aim to engage directly with meaning and bypass the slower, word-by-word vocalisation.

Using Visual Reading Aids: Remember when your teacher told you not to use your finger to follow along while reading? Well, they were wrong. (Oops!) Using your finger, a pen, or even just your eyes as a guide helps you focus and read faster.

Interval-Training: Just as your brain adjusts to higher speeds on the highway, it can adapt to faster reading speeds. Interval training means pushing your reading pace beyond your comfort zone for short bursts, then returning to a manageable pace. For example, you might read at double speed for a few minutes, then slow down to process what you've read. Over time, this trains your brain to process information faster.

The World Record in Speed Reading

While many people achieve impressive reading speeds, the current Guinness World Record for Speed Reading is held by Howard Berg, who claims to read more than 25,000 words per minute . Although the accuracy of such speeds is often debated, Berg's achievements have earned him recognition as the world's fastest reader. His abilities showcase the incredible potential of human cognition when properly trained and utilized.

Why Should You Care About Speed Reading?

You might be asking yourself, "Why should I care about speed reading? I read just fine at my own pace." Well, here's the thing—speed reading isn't just about speed. It's about efficiency, productivity, and yes, even fun.

Save Time: Imagine reading your work reports, emails, or those dense academic papers in half the time. It’s like having extra hours in your day!

Expand Your Knowledge: The faster you read, the more you can read. And the more you read, the more you know. It's as simple as that. Or as Hegel would say, "The truth is the whole," meaning that by accumulating knowledge, you get closer to a complete understanding of the world.

Stay Ahead: In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to stay on top of the latest trends, research, and developments. Speed Reading gives you that edge.

Is Speed Reading Right for You?

Let's face it—speed reading isn't for everyone, or at least not in every situation. If you're seeking a deeper understanding or want to savor every word of a well-written novel, slower reading might be better.

But if you need to power through information-heavy texts or quickly broaden your knowledge? Then Speed Reading could become your new best friend.

How to Get Started

Ready to give Speed Reading a try? Here’s how to start:

Practice Mindfully:Start with texts you're familiar with—newspaper articles, blogs (like this one!), or even your emails. Gradually work your way up to more challenging material.

Use a Timer: Track your reading speed to see your progress. It’s motivating to watch your WPM (words per minute) increase!

Take Breaks: Speed Reading is a mental workout. Give your brain regular breaks to maintain your focus.

Stay Consistent: Like any skill, Speed Reading improves with practice. Dedicate a little time each day to training your eyes and brain.

Join My Speed Reading Course: Ready to take your reading skills to the next level? My Speed Reading course is starting soon! You can also book me for workshops at your organization or for one-on-one coaching. Let’s unlock your full reading potential together!

How Well Do You Retain What You Read? Sustainability vs. Speed

A frequently asked question about speed reading is, "How well do you remember what you read? Is it as lasting as slow reading?" This concern is understandable, but speed reading is more than just fast reading—it is an integral part of a comprehensive training program designed to both increase reading speed and improve information absorption.

The goal of speed reading training is to increase reading speed without impairing reading comprehension. In fact, you automatically read faster after training. This means that the amount of information absorbed doesn't decrease; in fact, it increases. Why is that? Because you not only read faster, but also with greater concentration. You learn to read like a pro – with the clear goal of combining efficiency with reading pleasure. Over time, you will become a professional reader who combines the best of both worlds: speed and a "happy brain." This concept is based on the fact that speed reading is not just a technical skill; it also promotes mental clarity and well-being by using the brain effectively and efficiently. This makes reading not only faster, but also more sustainable and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Speed reading isn't just a cool party trick; it's a skill that can transform how you interact with the world of words. Whether you're trying to stay on top of your career, keep up with current events, or simply tackle your growing pile of books, speed reading can give you the tools to do it faster and maybe even better.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to turn that mountain of books into a molehill?