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Learn MoreThe 7 Skills of Speed Reading
Rating: 4.2 out of 54.2(141 ratings)
733 students
What you'll learn
- Know the 7 Skills of Speed Reading and how to improve at each of these skills
- Understand that speed reading is an advanced reading skill that anyone can hone, not some gimmick.
- Have the skills to grow your reading capabilities continuing throughout life and an understanding of how to do so.
- Feel confident that you can finish anything you'd like to read.
Explore related topics
Course content
10 sections • 115 lectures • 9h 34m total length
- Lecture 1: Who We Are & Why Did We Create This Course3:33
May Ling and Katya Seberson share how speed reading transformed their careers and created the Seberson method course to bridge the gap between fast readers and those who struggle.
- Course Overview2:49
This lesson provides an overview of the seven skill groups that allow a person to speed read.
- Speed Reading Math3:06
See speed reading math in action as you compare 150–250 wpm average to 300–400 wpm double-speed audio and 1500+ wpm elites, revealing time saved on a 700-page book.
- A Special Note from Katya2:54
Katya shares her journey overcoming reading disability as a non-native English speaker and folds in techniques to boost speed and comprehension, offering essentials to become a faster reader.
- Speed Reading Is Not9:18
In this video, we lay out the value proposition of speed reading in hours. We talk about precisely what an average reader, a college reader, a fast audio listener, and a speed reader are capable of taking in in terms of pages and time.
- Preview of the Essentials7:07
This lecture begins the first section of instruction, The Essentials. These are the basic components of reading that are often missed in school. We preview the three sections and their relevance. Because reading is a mental exercise, we use a physical example to help you understand why the Essentials are so important. Even if you're a pretty good reader with a great education from good schools, we recommend that you listen to this lecture before deciding to skip any sections.
I've added a link below if you'd like to test your reading speed. None of the tests that exist are perfect and we have our own methods when working with a client in person. However, this should give you some sense for where you're starting from.
- Why Do Some People Hate Reading?3:25
In this section, we talk about a common reason that many turn to speed reading, they hate reading. The hope is that if they can increase their pace, they can be done with the laborious task. Hating reading, though typically is a sign that a skill is missing. This is very common given the way reading is commonly taught.
- What is Decoding7:12
In this video we discuss the nature of decoding and how it mentally takes visual imagery into conceptual ideas.
- Decoding: The Visual & Auditory Library4:01
In this lecture, we talk about the two libraries that act as paths to understanding a word. Skill in both is necessary to be a good reader and go on to become a speed reader.
- Decoding: Cognitive Processor and the Visual & Auditory Processor4:34
In this lecture, we speak further about the cognitive processor and it's role in understanding text. We discuss precisely how the two libraries work, the power of phonics and the way in which this helps with understanding both known and new words. This concept will be carried through to multiple lectures.
- Decoding: Why many schools do not explicitly teach reading. 1.1.5.7:12
In this lecture, we discuss the history of education and why so much of reading is taught indirectly. This has left many to pick up reading skills on their own. The result is that many people have an underdeveloped audio and visual library access for their cognitive processor. If you feel bad that you don't have great decoding skills, watch this lesson to understand why.
- Identifying weaknesses in Phonics - Extreme Case5:08
In this lecture, we describe how some are diagnosed with Dyslexia, but may simply have phonetic issues. Additionally, I've attached an article that describes this.
- Decoding: Identifying Problems with Phonetics - Common Test1:58
In this lesson, we provide a final example to help test your phonetic ability. I've attached a resource that goes through some of the phonics rules in case you discover this is an area of weakness. We encourage you to also post, let us know how the resources go, which you personally like best, and whether there are some specific areas for which you are finding difficulty.
- Decoding: Conclusion to Decoding2:50
Practice decoding by briefly looking at a word, map it with phonics to connect to its concept, and recognize vocabulary evolves daily, requiring ongoing word learning.
- Introduction to Vocabulary2:38
In this lecture, we provide an overview of the section on Vocabulary. We describe what precisely vocabulary is and why it's the case, that you may have vocabulary issues even if you've gone to college and passed college entrance exams. We describe how the brain learns more vocabulary and also, the best way to acquire more words.
- Vocabulary: Auditory Bias3:26
In this lecture, we describe the reason why listening is an inefficient way to learn vocabulary.
- Vocabulary: Cognitive Processing of Unfamiliar Words1:50
In this lecture, we revisit the example in the previous lecture. We also start to talk about how the brain absorbs new or unfamiliar words.
- Vocabulary: Picking up vocabulary through listening1:14
In this section, we describe why it is so hard to pick up vocabulary from only listening.
- Vocabulary: Reading & Learning New Vocabulary2:48
Here we describe why reading is extremely important to learning new vocabulary. We additionally describe how reading facilitates auditory learning of vocabulary.
- Vocabulary: Challenges to Inferring Meaning8:58
In lecture 21, we described the initial phases of learning new vocabulary. We also talk about the importance of looking up words and making sure you know the meaning.
- Vocabulary: Moving from temporary to permanent memory2:37
Learn how to move vocabulary like indict from temporary memory to a permanent switchboard by building personal connections and layered recall pathways for rapid recall.
- Vocabulary: Techniques to learn vocabulary more quickly2:56
This lecture builds upon previous lectures that describe how the brain learns new words and how it might be fooled. It discusses a faster way to learn new vocabulary.
- Vocabulary: Developing a deliberate vocabulary learning practice4:44
For those that don't already have a plan to learn new vocabulary, this lecture will help you develop one.
- Vocabulary: The Virtuous & Vicious Cycle of Learning Vocabulary5:56
In this lesson, we describe the virtuous and vicious cycle of learning vocabulary. We describe why the bigger your vocabulary is, the easier it is to learn words. We also talk about secondary benefits of vocabulary.
- Vocabulary: Lifelong learning of vocabulary2:25
Even if you have a great vocabulary there might still be a good reason to continue to develop your vocabulary.
- Introduction to Structure1:51
In this video, we introduce the third skill of Speed Reading and the last of the Essentials. Structure is typically an area that even our clients that are fairly competent readers struggle with.
- Structure 1.1: What is Reading Comprehension?5:20
In this section, we talk about reading comprehension and how unique a skill it really is. This speaks back to our discussion the very beginning that reading is really a highly refined form of pattern recognition.
- Structure 1.2: How does Structure relate to what you hear?5:13
In this section, we demonstrate how difficult comprehension is without an understanding of structure.
- Structure 1.3: Example of Processing Structure Correctly & Incorrectly6:46
Here we introduce structure outside of simply grammar. This is also called sentence diagramming. In the next few sections, we'll start to discuss further how sentence diagramming can make a big difference.
- Structure: Simple versus Complex Sentence Structure7:34
In this section, we talk about simple versus complex sentence structure broadly, in all communication. Simple is far more common in spoken language. Complex structure is highly common in written language. A grasp of complex sentence structure is necessary for good comprehension while reading.
- Structure: Basic Sentence Structure6:18
Basic sentence structure is discussed.
- Structure: Dissecting Intermediate Sentence Structure6:44
We now demonstrate how the brain uses the basic sentence structure to understand more complex sentences.
- Structure: Intermediate Sentence Structure8:03
I've added a few more diagramming videos I found as free resources. It's not a straight forward thing to diagram and it might sound a bit complex watching someone diagram. That said, just seeing how they divide and knowing there are ways to do it, will get your mind starting to work in that direction. Before you know it, it will come naturally. Ultimately, when you read, your mind will not only do this very quickly, it will affect the way your eye moves... which we shall demonstrate in later modules.
- Structure: Complex Sentence Structure5:23
For both this and the next lesson, I'e linked some additional videos on Sentence structuring for those that have mailed in that they want a lot more practice. We go through some complex examples in these videos. That said, the number of words in a sentences isn't necessarily what makes structure complex. Interestingly, if this is an area of weakness, your ears and listening abilities will also improve as you get better at this skill set. Good luck and let me know if you guys need more exercises.
- Conclusion to Structure6:24
Congrats! You're watching the final video of the Essentials. You may want to take the test and see how your comprehension and reading has transformed.
- Focus 2.0: Introduction to Focus2:25
Focus is the first mechanical skill. This is the overview of the module, Focus, a skill we call the stamina of reading.
- Focus 2.1: Focus in the Context of Reading Comprehension2:52
In this chapter, we describe focus in the context of reading. Many might be focused in other areas. Bringing that same feeling and mindset to reading might not be obvious.
- Focus 2.2: Examples of Being In/Out of Focus2:28
In this lesson, we describe why it can sometimes be very hard for people to stay in focus.
- Focus 2.3: Focus as a Cognitive Process4:11
In this lesson, we talk about what the brain is doing. This should help you think about the coming exercise we'll present on focus.
- Focus 2.4: Focus as an Indicator4:02
Sometimes your lack of focus is telling you something. In this section, we discuss how it's not always a focus issue when you lose focus.
- Focus 2.5 Types of focus problems1:51
We talk about different reasons people have focus issues.
- Focus 2.6: The Focus Exercise Set Up3:55
Experience focus by creating a visible, physical manifestation that provides immediate feedback on attention. Prepare reading material, timer, focus card, and a writing tool in a well-lit, distraction-free reading mode.
- Focus 2.7: Focus Exercise Continued3:16
Practice the 25-minute focus exercise by reading and marking every distraction on your focus card. Analyze the marks to diagnose causes and refocus to improve speed reading.
- Focus 2.8: Closing Remarks2:42
Summary comments on focus.
- Perceptual Span Intro7:06
We introduce perceptual span and the coming lessons of the module.
- Intro to Thought Units2:18
Explore thought units as chunks of meaning that boost comprehension in speed reading, contrasting one word at a time, and practice eye movements with exercises.
- What are Though Units7:08
Learn that reading occurs in thought units, not word by word; these idea-carrying chunks vary in size and align with natural listening, speech, and phonetic awareness.
- Thought Units vs Spoken Speech4:38
Explore how written text carries as much as spoken speech by revealing thought units through pauses, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure, enabling preview and deeper comprehension without time pressure.
- The Importance of Function Words9:14
Learn how function words glue content words to create meaning, and how to balance decoding grammar with focusing on content words to increase thought units and reading speed.
- Eye Movements4:30
Explore how eye movements and thought units influence reading speed and comprehension, and learn strategies to decode words, expand thought units, and read for ideas.
- Increasing the Visual Window3:27
Expand your visual window by recognizing and combining thought units with grammar and syntax. Speed readers identify the subject, verb, and essential details to grasp meaning efficiently.
- Conclusion to Perceptual Span1:50
Discover how thought units drive speed reading, move away from word-by-word reading, and apply sub-vocalization to pace yourself and boost confidence through practice.
- Intro to Subvocalization3:19
Explore subvocalization in reading, debunk the 50/50 myths about speed reading, and learn how monitoring the mind and improving focus, perceptual span, and comprehension enhance speed reading.
- What is Subvocalization?2:26
Explains subvocalization as silent inner speech during reading and how readers vary in subvocalizing, including accessing the auditory library to hinder or boost understanding and speed.
- When is Subvocalization NOT ok4:29
Learn how mechanical sub-vocalization slows reading to 120–150 words per minute, blocks the visual library, and expands the auditory library; break the habit.
- Mechanical Subvocalization4:08
Learn to break the habit of moving your lips while reading. Practice segmentally with a pencil between the teeth to relax into the visual library and reduce sub-vocalization.
- Non-Mechanical Subvocalization8:23
Identify and break non-mechanical subvocalization to accelerate reading beyond the spoken word barrier, training reading for ideas using thought units and the visual library.
- Advanced Subvocalization Monitoring10:00
Explore when sub-vocalization aids reading by monitoring the spoken word barrier, using Jackie to highlight terms, refocus attention, and reinforce key concepts for faster comprehension.
- Conclusion to Subvocalization2:19
Conclude the subvocalization section by encouraging continued practice, focusing on easier material, and preparing learners for advanced pattern recognition as the next skill in speed reading.
- Intro to Advanced Pattern Recognition6:37
Explore advanced pattern recognition as the engine of speed reading, showing how the brain processes larger chunks—from sentences to paragraphs to outlines—through patterns.
- Advanced Pattern Recognition Multiple Sentences4:19
Develop speed reading by recognizing how consecutive sentences relate and reinforce meaning. Use function words and content words to merge ideas with cues like likewise and in fact.
- Function Words for Multiple Sentence Comprehension5:05
Learn to spot function words and conjunctions that signal contradictions between sentences, preview upcoming ideas, and merge meaning to improve comprehension and speed.
- Carrying Pronouns for Comprehension6:45
Identify pronouns and directional pronouns, and track their referents across sentences to boost comprehension in speed reading. Learn how essential pronouns like that and they link concepts and improve understanding.
- Basic Paragraph Structure3:46
Explore advanced pattern recognition in paragraphs, debunk the hamburger metaphor, and learn why paragraph structure varies beyond first and last sentences for speed reading.
- Basic Paragraph Example7:07
Explore the five-paragraph essay structure, detailing an introduction that grabs attention and previews points, three body paragraphs with topic sentences and evidence, and a concluding restatement of the thesis.
- Paragraph Fiction5:38
Learn how paragraph breaks signal time, place, or character in literature. Apply previewing to detect shifts and collapse paragraphs into a single idea for reading comprehension.
- Paragraph to Paragraph6:01
Read by collapsing each paragraph into a simple gist and map the next paragraph to the preceding context, building a clear outline of the nonfiction structure for faster comprehension.
- Previewing a Paragraph8:11
Learn to preview any paragraph before you read by scanning capitalization, spacing, and sentence length to anticipate structure, identify potential topic sentences, and gauge reading time.
- Basic Outline Structure7:26
Master the five-paragraph essay: introduction grabs attention, states the thesis, and previews points. Explore body paragraphs that support a specific argument with evidence and then conclude.
- Outline Variation 1 Part 16:14
Explore the simple variation of outlining and how a Harvard Business Review article outlines three strategies to grow mailing lists. Highlight main ideas, opening context, and disclaimers in paragraph structure.
- Outline Variation 1, Part 28:11
Improve speed reading by identifying main ideas across paragraphs, constructing outlines, and recognizing three lead-magnet strategies, cross-promotion ideas, and their link to monetizing a subscriber list.
- Outline Variation 2, p18:18
Practice outlining a three-study article on MTM and team stress, identify main ideas, background information, and introduction role within a five-paragraph essay.
- Outline Variation 2 p 28:35
Identify paragraph components like description, methodology, main idea, results, and conclusion to map an argument. Practice reading whole paragraphs to grasp context and structure, using the five-paragraph approach.
- Outline Variation 3, p19:00
Tackle increasingly challenging articles in the 7 skills of speed reading course by outlining paragraph by paragraph, focusing on jargon and background knowledge such as census data and life expectancy.
- Outline Variation 3, p29:55
Identify the main idea by the first sentence and follow how the rest supports it, emphasizing data context and regional risk factors.
- Outline Var 4, p18:47
Outline a challenging article on fake news to extract the problem-solution argument, identify main ideas across paragraphs, and practice quick, active reading strategies.
- Outline Variation 4, p29:38
Develop skills to synthesize the main idea across paragraphs, identify the five-paragraph essay structure, and evaluate the problem-solution arguments about fake news and journalism's role in non-reality based politics.
- Outline Variation 4, p36:56
I know the conclusion of this might be almost disturbing to some who are struggling with the concept that outlines might not be what they were taught in school and that this might be the norm. It's actually quite difficult to find resources, though there are hundreds of examples that line the pages of nearly every professional magazine. I'm going to add more resources of outlines that are also off pattern. Feel free to send a message if you've got an article you feel also follows this format.
- Intro to Funnels2:07
Identify funnel and reverse funnel patterns that move you from the reader's starting point to the author's purpose, embodying empathy to boost reading comprehension and speed across all writing.
- Funnel - Big picture to specific point, p18:23
Learn the funnel technique, moving from a big-picture opening to a specific conclusion, as the cats example narrows from good companions to low-maintenance civilized pets.
- Funnel - Big picture to specific point, p24:45
Master the funnel technique from big picture to specific point by extracting the main argument and carrying it through each paragraph, while recognizing biases and digressions.
- Reverse Funnel - Specific Point to Larger Point9:44
Explore reverse funnel, starting with a specific point and expanding to a general conclusion, illustrated by three email-list strategies like lead magnets and cross-promotions.
- Funnel & Reverse Funnel Together, p16:23
Identify funnel and reverse funnel patterns in complex articles, using the New Yorker piece on fake news as a guide. Improve rapid, precise comprehension of political and media arguments.
- Funnel & Reverse Funnel Together, p25:35
Explore how funnel and reverse funnel structures guide persuasive writing, from refuting general statements to revealing the central point, addressing concerns, and outlining actionable solutions.
- Fiction8:32
Identify the five-part fiction pattern—exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—and apply these patterns to analyze characters, relationships, and plot variations in fiction.
- Conclusion4:28
Master the speed reading mechanics by isolating focus, expanding perceptual span, and developing sub-vocalization, localization, and advanced pattern recognition to advance from essentials.
- Strategy 3.1 - Intro to Strategy3:41
Explore a four-part speed reading strategy, including how to pick material, apply verticals to grow, set purpose in reading, and reflect and review to train your brain.
- Strategy 3.1.1 Types of Readers4:57
Identify four reader types and how decoding and vocabulary shape the path to speed reading. Break spoken word barrier near 300 wpm to unlock gains and become a speed reader.
- Strategy 3.1.2 Types of Readers p27:32
Explore type 3 and type 4 readers, learn how reading speed, linkages, and sub-vocalizations shape comprehension, and strategies to move from type 3 to type 4 across verticals.
- Strategy 3.1.3 Intro to Choosing Material1:40
Identify your reader type and choose material that supports your speed reading goals. Learn how materials, from articles to books, can reduce stress or boost learning as you build skills.
- Strategy 3.1.4 The Importance of Choosing Fun Material2:13
Choose material that is fun and aligns with your interests to stay calm, leverage your existing knowledge and jargon, and predict patterns and practical applications.
- Strategy 3.1.5 Outside of a Book p18:37
Learn to choose the right speed reading book by evaluating quality, difficulty, and audience, and assessing exterior cues like size, shape, and cover images.
- Strategy 3.1.6 Outside of the book p29:29
Analyze the title and subtitle to uncover the book’s audience and purpose, then assess publishers and editing to guide speed reading and selection.
- Strategy 3.1.7 Outside of the Book p34:36
Assess a book before opening it by checking the author’s background, edition history, and audience, then decide between physical and digital formats for speed reading.
- Strategy 3.1.8 Inside of the Book p19:44
Explore how the inside of a book reveals publishing date, font, images, and layout cues; learn to gauge vocabulary, jargon, and audience to optimize speed reading.
- Strategy 3.1.9 Inside of the Book p26:24
Explore how jargon and background knowledge affect readability, compare multilevel models to regression, and learn to pick accessible books by sentence, paragraph length, and dialogue.
- Strategy 3.2 Intro to the Verticals1:41
Discover the technique of reading on the verticals, a methodical approach to reading comprehension, including four reading types on the vertical, initial choice, complementary verticals, and choosing new verticals.
- Strategy 3.2.1 The Verticals & Reading Comprehension1:41
Aim for 60 percent reading comprehension on the first book in a vertical, then watch comprehension grow as you continue along the vertical, feeding your brain more of the pattern.
- Strategy 3.2.2 Choosing a Vertical2:22
Choose a vertical you care about and read multiple books on the topic to train your brain in pattern recognition, making reading easier and more enjoyable.
- Strategy 3.2.3 Splitting a Vertical2:18
Split a broad vertical into focused subtopics, such as castle history or castle architecture, after about five books, to refine patterns and boost reading speed.
- Strategy 3.2.4 Complementary Verticals3:00
Explore complementary verticals that use related patterns from a topic you’ve read, expanding your view and boosting pattern recognition and reading speed across the seven skills of speed reading.
- Strategy 3.2.5 New Verticals2:56
Learn to create a new vertical by selecting an unrelated topic after splitting complementary verticals, expect slower reading initially, and use the seven skills to ease the transition.
- Strategy: 3.3 Intro to Purpose1:25
Define purpose, use highlighting, and leverage the table of contents across three parts to read faster with better comprehension and without trading speed for understanding.
- Strategy 3.3.1 What is Purpose?4:34
Identify the author's purpose to balance speed reading and comprehension while reading; practice empathy, pattern recognition, and outlining to grasp ideas without memorizing word for word.
- Strategy 3.3.2 Highlighting & Purpose in Comprehension4:03
Highlight only what matters to your purpose and the author's intent, then use tabs or post-it notes to mark key paragraphs for future reference.
- Strategy 3.2.3 Table of Contents (Part 1)8:18
Learn how table of contents and section headings aid purpose and learning in nonfiction, with guidance for type 1–3 readers to use headings strategically and practice advanced pattern recognition.
- Strategy 3.2.4 Table of Contents (part 2)4:37
Explore how table of contents and headings aid speed reading across fiction for types 1 through 4 readers, and consider how chapters and subsections shape pattern recognition.
- Strategy 3.2.5 Final Comments on Purpose2:18
Clarify your reading purpose and see reading comprehension as linking the author's bigger argument beyond details. Use the table of contents to map how sections support the purpose.
- Strategy 3.3 Reflect & Review Intro1:39
Explore reflect and review as a three-part practice to boost long-term retention of what you read, with immediate reflection, quick review, and practical tools.
- Strategy 3.3.1 Reflect2:59
Reflect as the first step in speed reading: after finishing a book, ask if you liked it, understood it, and whether the author met the purpose; integrate what you learned.
- Strategy 3.3.2 Review2:59
Review highlights in context, assess relevance to guiding questions, and decide what to keep or revise. Log reviews with page numbers, quotes, and reflections to strengthen speed-reading patterns.
- Strategy 3.3.3 Tools for Reflect & Review1:52
Explore tools for reflect and review after reading, including using Goodreads to build verticals and linkages that connect ideas across your reading journey.
- Strategy 3.3.4 Goodreads8:37
Use Goodreads to track books, reflect on reading, and visualize verticals as personal shelves, set achievable reading goals, and record ratings and notes to organize your reading life.
- Strategy 3.3.5 Final Comments on Strategy2:36
Master the seven skills of speed reading through practical strategies: choose a book, understand verticals, read with purpose, and reflect and review to grow faster with every book.
- Conclusion of Module 3 Strategy2:18
Recognize reading comprehension as reader's purpose grounded in author's bigger argument beyond details, and use the table of contents to map purpose across type 1 to type 4 readers.
Requirements
- While students do not need to be native speakers, they should have fluent English reading skills.
- An understanding that the gimmicks in other courses don't work.
- An understanding that reading is comprised of skills and understanding and improving those is what makes you read faster.
Description
If you've tried other courses and had limited results, this is the course for you. The 7 Skills of Speed Reading was developed by Katya Seberson one of the top Manhattan tutors with over a decade of experience teaching speed reading and May Ling Lai, a Wall Street executive who actively speed reads as a part of her career and created the YouTube channel Diary of a Speed Reader to demonstrate what true speed reading looks like.
We are two real Speed Readers who were unhappy with the other courses that existed on the market.
Try our course if:
You need to learn to speed-read
Have tried other courses with limited results
Hate reading and are turning to speed reading as a potential solution
We know there are other courses that exist and have also reviewed them ourselves. While the intentions of other instructors are in the right place, most courses have many errors or misleading elements. There are a lot of gimmicks. Others are teaching advanced skimming techniques rather than speed reading. This will lead to reading without comprehension.
These are things the course does NOT do:
Use reading material with a lower level to trick you into believing you're reading faster.
Pretend that you can read with comprehension by doing tricks.
Give you an overnight solution.
We will teach you to identify what is stopping you from reading faster and how to correct it.
A typical speed reader can take in information anywhere from 3 to 5 times faster than the average native English-speaking reader. This speed will be 2 to 4 times faster than where listening comprehension breaks down and constitutes a major advantage for anyone who has this skill.
We break Speed Reading into 7 skills that can be developed to grow your skills for the immediate term and for a lifetime. The 7 skills are - at this point - typically indirectly taught or not taught at all in school. They are completely ignored in most other courses. This is likely why so many have experienced mixed results. With this method, you will not give up speed for comprehension.
Most people who are speed readers do not share with others how they acquired the ability. This is true in fields like Law, Technology, Financial Services, Consulting, and more. This is often because they did so by chance and have not thought about how you might transfer this knowledge effectively.
This course provides a no-gimmicks way to learn to speed read. It will address claims and misinformation found commonly in other courses. We believe that by providing a real course that addresses the true obstacles that stop people from unlocking their innate abilities, we can help many achieve the goals they have, whether professional or personal.
Who this course is for:
- Anyone who wishes to improve their reading speed.
- People who need to read for a living.
- Parents who are not getting answers from teachers on why their child is struggling with reading.