How to Speed Read

Before you start trying to read faster, measure your current reading speed so you can gauge your progress.

Choose a book with a standard layout – that is, a limited number of charts, bullet points, lists, pictures, and so on – to practice speed-reading. Start by calculating how many words are on an average page of the book. First, count the number of words on 10 lines. Divide by 10 to get an average word count per line, and multiply it by the number of lines on the page to get the average number of words per page.

Now, read for one minute. Take note of how many words you read in that minute. This is your baseline reading speed. Using the tips below, you will be able to double or even triple your reading speed, without compromising your understanding.

To accelerate your reading speed, use your peripheral vision to your advantage.

Your eyes have the ability to focus on a single point in front of you but to take in a much broader field of vision. To leverage this ability while...