Speed reading involves the use of multiple specialized techniques to help you digest large amounts of content in a fast manner. Speed reading incorporates such skills as skimming, scanning, meta guiding, chunking, and minimizing subvocalization to improve reading speeds. The end goal of gaining speed reading as a skill is so you can effectively navigate large amounts of text in a shorter period of time than traditional reading mechanisms. Whether for work, school, or personal growth, speed reading makes rapid recognition of content possible without negating comprehension. No matter what speed you currently read at, training options are available to make speed reading possible.

An important component of all speed reading techniques is the ability to read without incorporating subvocalization. Subvocalization is the internal sounding out of individual words, a skill set that is a critical part of initial learning to read. Speed reading shifts away from internally hearing words, as this process is time-consuming. Instead, speed reading focuses on comprehending an entire set of words at one time. This can be accomplished through numerous techniques, ranging from skimming to hand pacing. Speed reading offers an improvement in the number of words read per minute, and the process itself simply involves training and practice. Depending on your desired result, you might use one or more of the common speed reading techniques. Udemy offers courses that can help you increase your reading speed, surpassing your current capabilities through improved techniques.

A good reading speed varies depending on what the desired outcome is. For example, if you are hoping to memorize a text, reading speeds should be less than 100 words per minute. However, for normal reading, the average speed of most adult readers is 200 to 250 words per minute. College students often score higher, around 450 words per minute. In contrast, high-level executives read at a rate closer to 600 words per minute. Speed reading can increase these numbers dramatically, with many speed readers capable of reading at 1,000 to 1,500 words per minute. These higher speeds are possible through a careful technique that involves less time spent trying to comprehend individual words and more time spent on comprehending a piece of content as a whole.