To Develop Reading Speed, Try Using a Metronome (or understand its concept)
All reading, especially effective, efficient reading, involves a rhythm. You can create this rhythm by using a metronome. (A metronome is a rhythm-keeping device used by musicians.) If you do not have one, you can create a rhythm for your eyes on your own.
Much like the tick of an old grandfather clock, a metronome ticks back and forth rhythmically. The benefit of a metronome is you can set the speed.
Try this: Select any general reading material with narrow columns such as a newspaper or a magazine. Set the metronome to start at a slow pace. Start at the beginning of the first line on the first tick and reach the end of the line at the second tick, then go to the beginning of the next line on the third tick and so on. As you become more confident and find you are reading faster than the ticks, increase the speed of the metronome.
Challenge yourself by forcing the speed for a paragraph or two. You may be able to go faster than you think!
TERMS OF PERMISSION TO REPRINT
This tip may be reprinted as long as the following byline is included:
Abby Marks Beale is America’s #1 Speed Reading Expert. She has taught speed reading for the past 25 years and is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading and 10 Days to Faster Reading. She is also the creator of Rev It Up Reading, the online speed reading course. Please visit www.RevItUpReading.com for more.
ENTER NOW