Have a stack of "to be read" books and magazines lying around? (My son, Daniel, labels his "to be read" TBR.) Want to get those reports at work read faster? A few years ago I got into reading faster. I will not call it speed reading because that conjures up images of those weird speed reading exercises when I was in grade school and I start to hyperventilate. (Have I mentioned - I HATED school?) My method has been more of a speed skim, but it worked for me. Yet, the other day I came across a speed reading course online and bought it. I have found it easy to do and very useful - so I wanted to share at least some of what I have learned. "You can easily read 1 book a week in 2018 with a speed process. Challenge? #52in18"]The course ...Speed Reading Foundation Course by Iris. Yes - I am an affiliate, but for a few bucks I found it to be awesome. (It is on sale for $99).The course covers all kinds of strategies for reading non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, email, blogs, and even fiction - which is one I had not seen before.I have spent between 15 to 30 minutes a day in this course for about a week or so, and I can only say that I wish I had bought it sooner.While the course might really increase my speed (yes I really think it will - and likely already has), the real magic is in the process.So here I wanted to share with you the key ideas behind increasing your speed (and comprehension) and how to deal with non-fiction books.Grab a book from the top of your stack and join me! Main Principles to Increase Reading Speed1. Use finger or pencil as a guide and move 3 words at a time. Our eyes tend to follow motion, so our hand or a pen moving along will draw our eyes forward. I do see why this method works because I find it is easier to get into a rhythm with my hand than without.Then note that you can actually see groups of words instead of one word. If you do not buy this, think about road signs. We glance and know what they say. Perhaps this is a little about context - but the next process I will show you will help to put all reading into context.For your typical non-fiction book, this will mean about 3 "hops" per line. This might seem awkward at first - but if you practice this about 15 minutes per day it will become natural. Really - it does work!!!2. Stop regressingMuch of the time you spend reading is going back to something you think you missed. This is called regressing.So instead, move on. Again, this takes practice to develop trust.. Much of our going back is a waste since we will pick up the context later.We have to remember that in almost all reading it is not each word we need to get, but the scope and context.One reason for this is that most written words are wasted and could have been cut out in the first place without a loss in meaning.3. Stop saying the words in your head If you say or lip read every word - you will never get faster. Your mind moves faster than your lips, so shut your mouth and try it.But even then, you will "think" every word, which is called subvocalizing, it will slow you down. I still have not broken that habit - but I can see this is a key to speed.4. Practice The Speed Reading Foundation Course by Iris suggests spending 15 minutes a day practicing. Not bad - certainly fits into my 15-minute rule.But to make it even easieDale Callahan, Ph.D.Business Coach for Professionals Ready to Take Control Helping you move from stuck to in-demand — or start something of your own. Grab the Idea Engine: 7 prompts to find your next move Book a Next Step Strategy SessionDirector of Engineering Management @ UAB (205) 790-8447 dalecallahan.com LinkedIn

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