Another great article link from Lifehacker. If you’ve ever gotten bogged down by a massive list of “To-read’s,” then you’ll certainly appreciate the tips Keith Drury gives us in this recent article:
This brief overview of how to acquire a “speed-readers” mentality provides solid footing for all of us budding speed readers out there. Speed reading, it turns out, is nothing more than a matter of mental discipline. Here is the articles “TOC”:
I. Reading Myths
1. Reading is linear.2. True reading is word-for-word.
3. Reading is a laborious task which takes a long time.
4. All parts of a book are of equal value.
5. Reading faster will reduce retention.
II. Getting Ready to Read
FIRST: ELIMINATE ALL DISTRACTIONS:SECOND: Ask: What is my purpose?
THIRD: Do a 10 minute PRE-READ.
FOURTH: Read the KEY CHAPTER.
III. Rapid Reading Techniques
1. Raise your speed- comfort level.2. See the book as a mine full of ORE not GOLD.
3. Quit Subvocalizing.
4. Use your finger.
5. Break the Back-skip habit.
6. Use your peripheral vision.
7. Learn to read KEY WORDS.
8. Eliminate “Bus Stops” (Eye rests).
10. Set a time goal.
IV. Retention Techniques
1. Underline, circle, make margin notes.2. Dog-ear important pages.
3. Transfer key notes to front of book.
4. When finished, re-read dog-eared pages.
5. Now write an “abstract” in the back or front.
6. Consider drawing a “MindMap” of the contents.
7. But if you borrowed the book,
Enjoy!
[UPDATE 03.02.2006]
Here’s another article on efficient reading, by now, I’m sure you’ll be reading it in a jiffy.
Thanks for the link, and for the nice summary!