<p>I'm not an overtly slow reader, and I think I read as fast as the majority of my friends. However, I am rather fond of reading, and do read a lot when/if I have time. I used to read at least a book a day, but with school and ECs, I have been slacking off, mostly because I don't have time for that anymore. So, in the economy of time, (also because I am a dreary slow note-taker and am trying to compensate for that) I'm trying to read faster without having everything I've just read disappearing from my mind seconds later, as they wont to do when I'm reading too fast for my concentration.</p>
<p>It seems that a lot of you guys here are very fast readers, and I would really appreciate it if you could give me some advice on how to read faster. Thanks! =)</p>
<p>read!!!</p>
<p>same way the only way to run faster is to Run.</p>
<p>Check out books on speed reading and power reading. I never could get into them, but the power reading thing worked for my sister; you get about 60-70% comprehension just glancing at each page (it's a lot more complicated than that or I could do it too...).</p>
<p>As far as general reading strategies, put an index card or your finger under each line. Read slowly enough to think through things as you read the words, and DO NOT GO BACK TO READ WHAT YOU DIDN'T CATCH. If you get into the habit of not skipping back - paying attention the first time - your normal reading speed will easily increase. If there are certain details you want to remember, jot them down so you won't have to go back and find them later.</p>
<p>Don't read for too long at a time. When your brain is shutting down and you're no longer comprehending the words, take an exercise break (or go to bed if it's late). That way you won't waste time not taking anything in.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Edit: The index card/finger is so that you won't be tempted to go back and it nominally increases your speed as well. Once you no longer skip back and can take in the line as quickly without this aid, you can forget about it. It's just a beginner's trick to get you in the habit of giving your full attention. And I like the index card because the words below aren't grabbing your attention.</p>
<p>lavender's advice seems pretty good, as I constantly go back to read passages because I simply can't focus. Here is an exercise on speed reading that I came across on the UChicago website. It takes only 10-20 minutes a day for about two weeks. I've never actually tried it consistently myself, so I'm not sure how well it works.</p>
<p><a href="http://counseling.uchicago.edu/services/asap/reading/speed.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://counseling.uchicago.edu/services/asap/reading/speed.shtml</a></p>
<p>I also need help with my reading speed. Because I read so slow, I had to use Sparknotes to aid me in some of the reading assignments.</p>
<p>Has anybody heard of EyeQ? I heard that it's a program that will help you increase your reading speed up to two to ten folds. However, it is very expensive. It costs $200, way more than what I will offer for a CD. :(</p>
<p>Babaloo, I just visited that website. Wow, it accurately portrayed my 250 WPM reading speed as a sub-vocalizer. Okay, I must read more.</p>
<p>yeah, that's pretty much how i am also, 250 wpm. Did you click on the next link after that page, "The speed reading method"? That's where they outline the method to increase your reading speed.</p>
<p>Lol, the demo has to be wrong or something... It says my reading speed is ~700 wpm.</p>
<p>Never thought about trying to improve my reading speed, but yea, I have to admit that I need to catch up in my readings! Used to be a total book nerd, but haven't read much this year beyond the required readings.</p>
<p>Not that it adds much to the conversation but I signed up for Speed Reading classes for this exact reason. It's only five classes spanning over five weeks (a class once a week). I paid about 320 bucks for it too so I'm going to make it worth every penny. Best thing is it's being offered for people of all ages starting from age 4 and up and it's at the university I'm attending, Fordham.</p>