How To Read Faster : Increasing Reading Speed
If you are looking for some techniques about how to read faster or how to increase reading speed then, this article is the perfect place. We grow as individuals in our daily lives and at work, sharpening this first level skill of reading which encompasses both worlds. Yet, we all probably feel that reading needs to be faster without comprehension lacking. Life is so busy, whether you are a student straddled with piles of reading materials or if you are working class wanting to keep up with the latest happenings in your industry- speed-reading could really help. Today, we bring you the top 10 techniques on how to become a faster reader, increase reading speed and comprehension.
Determine How Fast You Read Now (Current Reading Speed)
But knowing where you are is the first step towards reading faster. To set reasonable targets and track your improvement eventually you should first discover what how quickly you are able to read:
This Is Why It Matters: Knowing your base reading speed sets something bare minimum for you. It allows you to take stock of how much work has been done and compare it with the milestones. If you do not have a baseline to compare these methods, it is difficult to know if the techniques are working.
Measuring Your Reading Speed
There are a few ways that you can gauge how fast you read right now:
- Online Tools: There are so many websites on the internet that provide free reading speed tests. These would usually be comprehension type tests where the student is required to read a piece of writing and answer questions on it.
- Mobile Apps: Spreeder and Acceleread have resources for measuring your reading speed as well strategies on how to improve.
- Manual Method: You can use a Stopwatch and a book. Read for one minute at a natural pace and count the number of words you read.
Words Per Minute (WPM) Explained
A common measure for reading speed is words per minute (WPM). It shows you how many words a minute (WPM) you can read. Most adults read at 200-300 WPM. One of the main benefit is that it gives you a sense for how efficient you’re reading actually is.
Action Step: Time Yourself During a Reading Speed Test
- Pick a Passage: Find a section of text you haven’t read. The measurement should be longer as it ought to provide precise output (at least 300 words).
- One Minute Countdown: Use a stopwatch or timer and just set for one minute.
- Read: Start reading as soon as the timer gets going, focusing on understanding and maintaining a constant pace.
- Word Count: Once the timer finishes, tally up how many words you read. This is your WPM.
