How to Read 40+ Books a Year: Speed Reading Made Simple

To be honest, I don’t believe that using these speed reading techniques will make you the fastest reader alive. But they can bring you closer to that goal.

Speed reading is defined as reading and comprehending text faster by taking in groups of words instead of individual words and employing other speed reading training strategies.

You might be wondering: what is considered “speed reading”?

The average reading rate is around 200–300 words per minute (wpm), although reading speed varies depending on the material and the reader’s experience. Some speed reading methods claim to help readers reach much higher speeds, but comprehension often decreases at extremely high rates. Let me now share with you some techniques that can help you read more efficiently while maintaining understanding.

1. Read in Chunks

Your eyes can take in multiple words at once. Using the word-chunking strategy, you can read more efficiently. Instead of focusing on every individual word, move your eyes across groups of words and allow your brain to process the meaning. Reading every word individually can slow down your reading speed.

Try focusing on a few words at a time and gradually expanding your visual span. This technique helps your eyes and brain work together to process information more quickly.

• Start by concentrating on reading two or three words at one glance.
• Combine groups of words and read them at a glance as if they were a road sign.

Pro tip: As you become more comfortable with word chunking, you can gradually increase the number of words you recognize at once. Avoid forcing yourself to skip words, as comprehension should remain the priority.

2. Use a Pointer for Meta-Guiding

Meta-guiding is a speed reading technique that guides your eyes through the text by moving a pointer quickly. You can use your finger, a pen, stylus, or another object as a pointer. Move it underneath the lines and follow it with your eyes. This method is also called “hand pacing” when you specifically use your finger.

One of its pioneers, Evelyn Nielsen Wood, a Utah schoolteacher, claimed that meta-guiding or hand pacing could increase reading rates dramatically, with claims reaching as high as 2,700 wpm. However, these extreme reading speeds have not been consistently verified by modern research, especially when comprehension is considered.

At first, your comprehension may decrease slightly, and your eyes may struggle to follow the pointer, but you can improve gradually with practice.

Pro tip: Make meta-guiding more effective by gradually increasing your pace while maintaining your understanding of the material.

3. Avoid Excessive Sub-Vocalization

Sub-vocalization is the process of silently pronouncing words in your mind while reading. It is a natural part of reading, especially when dealing with complex information, but excessive reliance on it may slow your reading pace.

While some speed reading techniques encourage reducing inner speech, completely eliminating sub-vocalization is not always practical or beneficial. Many readers use it to improve comprehension, particularly with difficult texts.

You can reduce unnecessary sub-vocalization by guiding your reading with your fingertip, maintaining focus, or practicing visual word recognition. The goal is not to eliminate inner speech completely but to find a balance between speed and understanding.

Pro tip: When reading, try pressing the tip of your tongue gently against the roof of your mouth as a reminder not to pronounce every word unnecessarily.

4. Limit Regression and Back-Skipping

Regression or back-skipping can slow your reading progress. It means repeatedly returning to previously read sentences or paragraphs.

Sometimes, rereading is necessary, especially when checking important details or fact-checking information for a project. However, frequently returning to previous sections because of poor concentration can interrupt your reading flow.

If you want to become a faster reader, focus on improving attention and comprehension during your first pass through the material.

Here are two effective ways to reduce unnecessary regression:

• Ask Questions: You often back-skip because of passive reading or a lack of focus. Asking questions while reading keeps your mind engaged and helps you retain information.
• Cover with Gliding: Another solution is gliding, where you cover the text with an envelope or card after reading it. This encourages you to focus on the current section instead of repeatedly looking backward.

Pro tip: Revisiting important details is useful for comprehension, but attentive reading the first time can reduce unnecessary rereading.

5. Skim the Text

Skimming is one of the most effective speed reading techniques. It helps you quickly identify key information and avoid spending too much time on unnecessary details.

• Quickly read the headings, subheadings, and titles.
• Pay attention to italicized, bold, or underlined text.
• Look at diagrams, charts, maps, and other visual information.
• Highlight unfamiliar terms or ideas.
• Read topic sentences and concluding sentences.
• Review prefaces and summaries.

Pro tip: Use skimming for complex texts when you need an overview and speed reading techniques for easier material.

6. Scan the Text

Sometimes, you need to quickly find a specific idea, phrase, sentence, or word in a lengthy text. That’s when scanning becomes useful.

• Identify the keyword or idea you want to locate.
• Keep that word or concept in mind.
• Move your eyes quickly across the text while ignoring irrelevant sections.

Pro tip: Practice scanning academic, professional, and online content to locate important information more efficiently.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Last but not least, avoid distractions while reading. A calm environment helps you concentrate, improve focus, and maintain a consistent reading pace.

• Read in a library or quiet location.
• Keep only essential reading materials nearby.
• Turn off phone notifications.

Pro tip: Begin with a genre that interests you to develop the habit of focused reading.

Conclusion | Practical Speed Reading Tips:

Mastering speed reading techniques can provide several benefits that improve productivity and support personal growth:

• Meet reading deadlines more easily.
• Explore more books without feeling overwhelmed.
• Improve your ability to process information efficiently.
• Build confidence in your reading skills.
• Strengthen focus and concentration during reading sessions.
• Free up more time for important tasks and relaxation.

With consistent practice, your reading skills can continue to improve, giving you more time and mental energy for other important areas of your life.

Enjoy your journey on the speed-reading roller coaster!