Abby’s Tip #6 for Smarter Reading This Summer

A physical way to read smarter

The past two tips talked about using your eyes to gain focus, speed and comprehension using key words and/or phrases. Now it’s time to start using your hands or a white card to your reading. Years ago, when I was doing research for The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading*, I reviewed over 30 books on speed reading. Every single book talked about the use of one’s hands or a card to read faster.  My favorite starter method is called The White Card Method. This is also a great strategy to use on-screen but to just get started, try it on paper:

Place a blank 3 x 5 white card (or piece of blank white paper) ON TOP/ABOVE the words covering the text you already read, leaving exposed the words yet to read. Use the narrow side of the card for narrow columns and the wider side of the card for wider columns. If the column width is very wide, then tape two cards together. This will force you to push your eyes down the page and help you resist the urge to re-read unnecessarily. Focusing only on the words you are reading enhances your concentration, helps you keep your place and facilitates forward eye movements.

*The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading is now available as an updated ebook called Speed Reading: A Little-Known Time-Saving Superpower available on Amazon