The Mechanics of Speed Rating
Most of us have probably heard that the average person reads somewhere between 200 to 300 wpm. Are you aware that a speed reader can read up to five times that amount? The skill of speed reading is just that it is a skill, which means it may be taught to most individuals.
The fact is that there are two main components to the mechanics of speed-reading. These are: Posture and Pacing.
Let's take a look at the mechanics of speed-reading.
1) Pacing, pacing is simply using a pointing device to direct your eyes are crossed each page. The mere act of using a pointing device sets the pace at which you are reading. By simply increasing or decreasing the movement of the pointing device across the page, you increase or decrease the speed at which you read. Although this may sound like a no-brainer, many people do not realize the additional advantages of using a pointer. One of the key reasons that people read slower is there need to go back or step back, when you read a portion of text that was not understood. You will find that by using a pointer in your everyday reading you will be able to increase your reading speed and limit the number of step backs that you incur. One other important note here, if you apply pace setting measures you should notice a significant increase in your overall speed. Another more fascinating aspect should be able to slowly wean yourself off for the pointer as you train your eyes to follow the line of the words.
2) Posture, is the second mechanics, which must be understood in order to develop your speed reading skills. It is necessary to form a comfortable, but somewhat solid posture technique. Your posture should be relaxing, but not reclining. A good example would be sitting at a desk in a standard chair. A poor example of posture would be reading your book while lying on the couch. Like any skills building technique this is an applied focus and learning exercise. It is also important for your book to either lie flat in front of you or possibly to be slightly elevated for comfort of reading. You should also try and adjust the distance, so that is not close, typically, you should set the book so that it is at a comfortable distance. You will be able to read larger blocks of words and not have to focus on single words or small blocks of words. You should practice, the mechanics of proper posture in this initial stage of developing your speed reading skills every time you read. By practicing posture mechanics now, it will become a natural habit for you in a future.
Following these mechanics will improve your overall speed reading skills. Although not covered here it is important to understand the speed reading techniques that are needed to develop your overall skill.
Speed reading is a combination of body mechanics, and techniques such like reading large blocks of words in lieu of small blocks of words. Through these mechanics and techniques with patients and practice, you should be able to double or even triple your reading ability in a short period of time. |
