Links

Reading is the main method of obtaining knowledge. But the speed of reading of each individual varies based on different criteria, such as age, level of education, and the way we read. Speed reading, and the methods of achieving faster reading, is seen as the way of improving your reading capabilities.

Speed reading is a collection of different methods that improve not only speed of reading but also reading comprehension and retention. There are some differences between “normal reading” and speed reading.

Exceptional readers have a reading speed of about 1000 words per minute (wpm) with 85% comprehension; but this capacity is held by only about 1% of the population who can read. The average reading speed is around 200 wpm with 60% comprehension.

The average reader is five times slower than a “good reader”. Average readers have a reading efficiency and reading speed of 120 efficient words per minute (ewpm); top readers have a reading speed of around 850 ewpm, leading to an efficiency ratio of seven.

As you can see, there is a big difference between top readers and average readers in reading speed and comprehension, leading to different levels of reading efficiency. Thus the importance of speed reading for most of us.

There are different methods of improving your reading speed. The most common speed reading techniques are speed reading seminars, speed reading books, and speed reading software such as the popular 7-Speed Reading software.

There is a relationship between reading speed and reading comprehension. As your level of comprehension rises, so does your reading speed. The relationship is an interdependent relationship. Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that increasing your reading speed can also increase your comprehension. And since reading speed can be improved with practice, you can also improve your level of reading comprehension.

So, if you want to improve the speed of your reading, choose a speed reading method that works for you. Follow the speed reading course or use the speed reading software such as 7-Speed Reading for more than a couple of weeks and you will see for yourself the results that increased reading speed can bring.