How to Speed Read and Retain More Information

Reading quickly and retaining information requires focus. Start by practicing on one or two paragraphs at a time. Read through them quickly and test yourself at the end by rereading them at a slower pace to see which information you were able to pick up and what you left behind.

Grab a pen and move it across the page at quick pace. Allow your eyes to follow the pen and read at the pace that you are moving the pen. Do not go back to words or sentences that you were not able to understand the first time. As you practice, you will get better at comprehending the words you are reading.

Invest in some earplugs or find a space where you can read with no distractions. The less interruptions or distractions you have the quicker you will be able to pick up on speed reading. Make sure that you have adequate lighting as well. Choose a time of the day where you feel the most focused and relaxed. You don't want this to become a frustrating exercise.

For your first few rounds of practice, use materials that you don't need to study intently. Don't try to speed read through your important documents for the first time if you are not accustomed to it. Use magazine articles and newspaper articles for practice when it is not crucial for you to absorb every detail.

As you get better at speed reading, try to speed read through every editorial or article that you come across. Take advantage of small breaks and commutes to hone your new skill.

There are really cool apps out there that can help you learn to speed read on your mobile devices. Apps such as Boba, ReadMe!, and Velocity help you by feeding you one word at a time at a quick pace, allowing your brain to become accustomed to a higher speed of processing information.

Reading more in general, even if you're not blazing through every sentence will make you a faster and more efficient reader. Reading often will increase your vocabulary, improve your spelling, and make you a better writer. Set aside at least 30 minutes per day for reading. For speed reading: set aside 10 or 15 minutes to practice or do it during the lulls in your day when it is most convenient for you.