Do You Make These Mistakes In Speed Reading?

Are there bad habits in reading too? Yes, there are. And the unfortunate thing is that you may not realize that you have bad habits and think that you are doing speed reading. However, there are certain styles of reading that mar your speed and hinder your brain in catching the words speedily.

So, what are they? Let’s have a look at these mistakes so that you kick them off fast.

4 Most Common Speed Reading Mistakes

1. Reading word by word - There are people who want to catch hold of every single word printed on paper. Well, all words are NOT meant to be read critically. Some of them are there just to adorn the language, build the sentences and group the clauses and phrases together. It is better to sweep your eyes across the sentences to develop speed reading rather than absorbing each word and dissecting it.
2. Sub-vocalization - You might have noticed children reading aloud the words while learning to read. Well, you are not learning to read, are you? Sub-vocalization hampers the speed of your brain to grasp and process the information. Remember, your brain can pick up words FASTER from the printed matter than your lips can read. So, let your brain do the work and drop this habit fast if you want speed reading, unless you are reading to improve your pronunciation.
3. Re-reading lines - This is done by those insecure types who think they have missed some word and go back to read the phrase or sentence again. How boring! Guys, be confident of your reading and trust your brain. Anyways, re-reading lines will NOT enhance your comprehension. Simply kick off this bad habit by consciously refraining from going back. Watch your speed reading get double!
4. Shifting your eyes from left to right - This is quite common among readers. However, this might make you think that you are a speed reading, but you will notice your folly after reading a few paragraphs. Letting your eyeballs jump from left to right, slow your speed down after a while. The best way to maintain speed is to focus your eyes at the center of the line and shift then down the lines. This is particularly helpful in reading columns. You will be surprised at the tremendous speed!

It may take some time to remove these habits, as they are deeply instilled in you and till now, you never knew these were BAD habits. So, guys, why not begin today itself? Pick up a book and start reading. Make conscious efforts to NOT make any of the above mistakes. Gradually, speed reading will become second nature to you. Happy speed reading!

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