There are various methods and approached to speed reading, and many different methods of learning how to do this. First of all we’ll discuss the two main techniques of speed reading. They are speed reading, and photo reading. How do these two differ? Speed reading is training yourself to read more efficiently. True, the techniques you use to read once you master speed reading are more complex and far more efficient than what you use now, but essentially, you’re still reading.
Photo reading differs greatly from this. Proponents of photo reading claim that they can, by having a subject put himself or herself under hypnosis, enable him or her to take in an entire page at a glance, and to absorb the material on that page. They point to the vast synaptic networks of the brain as an example of the vast mental powers waiting to be tapped. In many ways, proponents of speed reading display both un-scientific beliefs and an incorrect understanding of the way in which the brain works.
True, the brain has vast processing capabilities, but do these so called experts realize just how much calculation and processing power goes into a simple task like maintaining one’s balance while walking? Or through triangulating the distance of objects using the different points of view in the eyes? The brain may be more complex than we think, but that complexity and power is called upon for everyday tasks that are also actually far more complex than most people think.
Having said that, if you want to see genuine improvement in the speed at which you read, I would suggest that you take up speed reading. Speed reading has a tried and tested record, and definitely works. The only question is how do you go about learning it. There are several ways. One of the best is to learn from a good instructor.
However, you need to make sure that the instructor is a speed reading expert himself or herself, and not merely teaching you techniques that he or she has learned out of a book. Ask them for a demonstration of speed reading, and bring your own material for the demonstration. Don’t feel shy to time them, and to calculate just how many words they can read per minute. Remember, an instructor is probably the most expensive option, so make sure you’ll be getting value for your money.
Another very efficient way to go about learning speed reading is through speed reading software. These are excellent, and most of the work reasonably well. There’s just one thing you should know when choosing a software, but it’s rather important. Many speed reading softwares will teach you how to move your eyes more efficiently when reading – in other words, they will train the physical aspects of speed reading. However, comprehension of the matter being read is also important, as I’m sure you’ll agree. So make sure that whatever software you’re considering has exercises that work on your comprehension of the read material, and not just one how fast you can take it in. One of the most complete speed reading softwares is 7 Speed Reading – it’s one I use personally, and I’d say it can triple a users reading speed in the majority of cases.
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