Thread by @AlexAndBooks_

I've read 3 bestselling books on speedreading so you don't have to.

Here's how to 3x your reading speed in 10 days:

1) Avoid Subvocalization

People can read faster than they can speak.

That's why reading out loud or in your head slows you down.

Here are the stats (wpm = words per minute):

-Reading out loud = 150 wpm
-Reading in your head = 250 wpm
-Reading without subvocalizing = 350+ wpm

The trick is to focus on the meaning of the word instead of pronouncing it in your head.

It can be a surprise at first, but it's very possible to understand words without pronouncing them.

Here are 10 tips to break the habit of subvocalization:

2) Read In Chunks

Instead of reading one word at a time, read in chunks of 2-3 words.

Stop this:

[Instead] [of] [reading] [one] [word] [at] [a] [time] [read] [in] [chunks] [of] [2-3] [words]

Do this:

[Instead of reading] [one word] [at a time] [read in chunks] [of 2-3 words]

Similar to breaking your subvocalization habit, it takes some practice to read words in chunks.

Try circling or grouping words together to practice reading in chunks.

Like so:

3) Use A Visual Pacer

Slide your finger under word chunks as you read.

Your eyes are attracted to motion so this will help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted.

It also helps prevent subvocalization since you're reading the words faster than you can pronounce them.

4) Avoid Fixation

Fixation is when you stop reading because you get stuck on a word you don't understand.

But the trick is to skip it and continue reading.

Reading the full sentence or paragraph will give you context to understand the word even if you don't know what it means.

5) Eliminate Regression

The average reader spends 30-50% of their time rereading text they've already read.

That means a 250 page book can turn into 400 pages of reading.

Regression is caused by distraction, lack of focus, or daydreaming.

Here's how to prevent it:

To eliminate regression use the notecard strategy:

-Grab a notecard and place it on the top of the page
-Every time you read a sentence, cover it with the notecard
-This prevents you from going back and rereading text since it's now covered

It's simple yet effective.

6) Prevent Distractions Before They Happen

You can't read fast if you're constantly getting distracted.

So prevent distractions before you start reading:

-Put your phone on silent
-Leave your phone/devices in another room
-Wear earplugs/headphones and play instrumental music

7) Read Outside

Reading inside is slowing you down.

High levels of CO2 can reduce IQ by 25%.

Typical indoor light levels are 1,000 lux, outdoor light is 100,000+ lux.

That's a 100x difference.

So get outside for fresh air & better lighting and you'll read books much faster.

Bonus: Read More To Read Faster

Reading is a skill.

And like any skill, the more you do it the better you'll get.

Also the more you read, the more repeated stories, studies, and stats that you can skip over since you've already learned about them in other books.

How to 3x your reading speed:

-Read outside
-Avoid fixation
-Read in chunks
-Use a visual pacer
-Eliminate regression
-Avoid subvocalization
-Read more to eventually read faster
-Prevent distractions before they happen

What speedreading tips would you add?

Next week I'll write about the pros and cons of speed reading so stay tuned.

BTW: Out of all of the speed reading books I've read, "10 Days to Faster Reading" was the most helpful one.

You can get a copy of it here:

amzn.to/3t3gvCW

PS: If you want to get an awesome book summary and tip on how to become a better reader every week...

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