How do we increase our reading speed?

The concept of Reading

Reading is an interesting process in which we look at written or printed symbols and derive meaning from them. When we read we get information. Reading is considered as a skill which we can do quietly or speaking out the words. Reading includes recognizing the words, fluency and comprehension. It is a very good habit and should be adopted by everyone. Nowadays people are forgetting this skill. They are more inclined towards other forms of information through different media.

But like writing, reading will always remain a great and the basic source of learning and gathering knowledge. Whether we do it through a printed media or on an electronic device, it is and always be a great skill to have.

Benefits

Reading increases our knowledge. Irrespective of the age group reading is a skill that everyone should develop. It makes us more reasonable and logical and increases our memory. People with good reading skills are generally good speakers also. They have a huge amount of vocabulary in their kitty. Reading plays a vital role in making us confident and helps in building a good character.

Reading technique is classified into four groups, generally. They are as follows:
•       Skimming means to get the overall idea about the text.
•       Scanning means to get the exact information from the text
•       Detailed reading means to get the complete detail, word by word, from the text.
•       Revision reading means to revise or re-read the text which has been previously read.

Does Speed matter?

Yes, definitely. Reading speedily increases the concentration. We become more focused and it also helps us to improve our focus on other areas of life. Our understanding level increases because instead of words we tend to focus on the meaning the page or pages. We become more fluent and it also shows up in our speaking skills.

Increasing the Reading Speed

It can begin when big words or numbers are divided into small chunks or groups. It is like taking one step at a time. Elimination of a re-reading a word has to eliminated from the reading habit. We can use a timer or we can set a goal for ourselves that we need to complete the reading in a particular time frame.

The more we read the faster we become. One of the basic tactic of increasing the reading speed is to underline the important lines or words while reading. This not only increases our concentration but is also helpful for future reference and understanding.

One of the major cause that stops us from being a good and speedy reader is to get distracted. Avoiding this will increase the pace. Another obstacle which stops us in thinking and visualizing the words in our mind while reading. This needs to be avoided as it takes a lot of time. We also need to be in a good posture while reading. People often lie down and read. This is a very bad habit. It not only stops us from being a speedy reader but also has an adverse effect on our eyesight.

All of us want to have more time. We live under tremendous pressure of finishing tasks on or before time. I suggest to develop the art of reading and keeping a track of how speed we are doing it. This will teach you to be focused and in setting your goals. Once we are in a habit we can apply this art to other fields of life as well and be successful.

Article Credit: Vikram Kapoor