Speed Reading

<p>When I was around 15 (I'm 20 now) I was forced into a speed reading class by my well-meaning, but non-academic mother. I believe that the class permanently changed my reading habits for the worse. I was wondering if anybody has felt the same about taking a speed reading class and if so, how did you return to your natural reading habits?</p>

<p>What did it do to your reading habits if you don't mind me asking?</p>

<p>so you read too fast against your own will and now you cannot comprehend anything ?</p>

<p>Well my old reading habits were to merely read everything by hearing the words in my head. After taking that speed reading course, I basically default to skimming and using stupid techniques that they introduced such as eliminating subvocalization (hearing words in your head) and essentially being CONSCIOUS that you are reading instead of reading automatically. Now I was able to regain some of my ability to subvocalize, but its still not at full strength like I used to (case in point. When I began the course I read at around 250-300 words per minute with about 90 percent accuracy (by hearing the words in my head and not using any special techniques). After the course, I read around 500 words per minute but my comprehension was like at 50 percent or less. I still have the habit of reading too fast because of the course and it takes me at least 2 times to read anything properly. Also, when I try and slow down, my mind seems to be conditioned to raise a red flag and I am unable to finish what I'm reading because I get distracted. I know this sounds quite far fetched but its the best I can explain my problem.</p>

<p>Wow, what a strange way of brainwashing...</p>

<p>um weird. I did a speed-reading course, but it didn't work for me at all. I already read ultra-fast with great comprehension, but speed-reading is about getting the gist; I could read a lot faster but I lost a lot of comprehension. So I just didn't do it anymore. :p</p>

<p>I think subvocalization is the natural way to read. Comprehension is certainly more important than speed. Also, when you need to reread everything, you're not really saving any time, are you?</p>