Can Software Help You Learn Speed Reading?
Different speed reading programs use different approaches to 'speed reading'. The main concept is to group words together to be read. One method is by flashing words to the reader one at a time in the same position thus stopping the eyes from straying around as they would on a normal paragraph.
These programs pre-process and serialize text and present the data as a serial stream to the brain thus reducing its load. The speed reading programs ease the load that much that the brain just needs to interpret the text.
Some speed reading programs include staring at the center of the screen while lines around it expand. The method of using objects are criticized by some who state that the only way to read faster is to read actual text. But still, many other objects and pictures are used to help the brain decipher texts and clarify vision.
The newest speed reading software makes the user read an on-screen book at different speeds. The software hilights the text to indicate where the reader should be reading. Reading is not expected to take place by pronouncing the words, but by viewing the words as images. The exercises help in eradicating subvocalization and thus help in increasing reading speed. The best way to understand the process is by understanding the advertising methods where generally visuals depict the words. Learning to speed read and retain comprehension does depend on the age and maturity of the reader but definitely practice makes a man perfect. Software techniques provide guartantee that if their techniques are well followed and practice is continued then improvement is sure to take place. Comprehension levels do fall initially, but they regain momentum after a few months of practice. One thing must be understood that speed reading is not a replacement for normal reading. Certain materials requiring deep comprehension is better read using slow subvocalization methods. But speed reading can be used for most of the material we read in our daily life which include product details, articles incorporating lengthy descriptions, and even reviews in text books. Plenty of software is available in the market today. The trick is to get the right one. Personal speed reading techniques are learned through practice. The google search engine gives pretty much a comprehensive search of speed reading software and articles.
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