s the page. However, when we read our eye movement is not smooth at all. Our eyes have to stop at regular intervals in order for us to take in new data and this means that we actually take a series of small jumps as we read across the page. These jumps are known as fixations.

Fixations are the key determinant of our reading speed. If you take a long

Why do we need to speed read? Aren’t we under enough pressure at work already?

If this is your premise, then think again. Speed reading is not about forcing you to work harder. On the contrary, by enabling you to triple your reading speed, it is much more about helping you to handle your time and your workload efficiently. In this article I’m going to address some of the key questions that surround this approach.

Information Overload
The most common reason that people want to learn how to speed read is because of information overload. Today’s corporate executives have to take in, absorb and recall more information than ever. Most of this data arrives in written form – through minutes, reports, proposals, brochures texts and emails.

However, speed reading should not be seen as a reactive technology. Many participants on our courses report that one of the main drivers for them is to be able to find a way to read those books that have been sitting on their shelf for too long or those magazines that come every week that they never seem to have time to open. These managers and executives recognise that knowledge is the fuel of career success and, in this respect, speed-reading is a step forward in efficiency - providing people with a real edge in a competitive world.

The Mechanics
When asked, most people assume that they read in a smooth left to right motion across the page. However, when we read our eye movement is not smooth at all. Our eyes have to stop at regular intervals in order for us to take in new data and this means that we actually take a series of small jumps as we read across the page. These jumps are known as fixations.

Fixations are the key determinant of our reading speed. If you take a long

to address some of the key questions that surround this approach.

Information Overload
The most common reason that people want to learn how to speed read is because of information overload. Today’s corporate executives have to take in, absorb and recall more information than ever. Most of this data arrives in written form – through minutes, reports, proposals, brochures texts and emails.

However, speed reading should not be seen as a reactive technology. Many participants on our courses report that one of the main drivers for them is to be able to find a way to read those books that have been sitting on their shelf for too long or those magazines that come every week that they never seem to have time to open. These managers and executives recognise that knowledge is the fuel of career success and, in this respect, speed-reading is a step forward in efficiency - providing people with a real edge in a competitive world.

The Mechanics
When asked, most people assume that they read in a smooth left to right motion across the page. However, when we read our eye movement is not smooth at all. Our eyes have to stop at regular intervals in order for us to take in new data and this means that we actually take a series of small jumps as we read across the page. These jumps are known as fixations.

Fixations are the key determinant of our reading speed. If you take a long

es, reports, proposals, brochures texts and emails.

However, speed reading should not be seen as a reactive technology. Many participants on our courses report that one of the main drivers for them is to be able to find a way to read those books that have been sitting on their shelf for too long or those magazines that come every week that they never seem to have time to open. These managers and executives recognise that knowledge is the fuel of career success and, in this respect, speed-reading is a step forward in efficiency - providing people with a real edge in a competitive world.

The Mechanics
When asked, most people assume that they read in a smooth left to right motion across the page. However, when we read our eye movement is not smooth at all. Our eyes have to stop at regular intervals in order for us to take in new data and this means that we actually take a series of small jumps as we read across the page. These jumps are known as fixations.

Fixations are the key determinant of our reading speed. If you take a long

r seem to have time to open. These managers and executives recognise that knowledge is the fuel of career success and, in this respect, speed-reading is a step forward in efficiency - providing people with a real edge in a competitive world.

The Mechanics
When asked, most people assume that they read in a smooth left to right motion across the page. However, when we read our eye movement is not smooth at all. Our eyes have to stop at regular intervals in order for us to take in new data and this means that we actually take a series of small jumps as we read across the page. These jumps are known as fixations.

Fixations are the key determinant of our reading speed. If you take a long

s the page. However, when we read our eye movement is not smooth at all. Our eyes have to stop at regular intervals in order for us to take in new data and this means that we actually take a series of small jumps as we read across the page. These jumps are known as fixations.

Fixations are the key determinant of our reading speed. If you take a long fixation, reading each line word by word, you will be a slow reader. If you skip back over words or re-read whole paragraphs, as most people do, this will handicap you further. The skills therefore are these: to spend less time on each fixation and to learn to take in more words with each fixation.

Distinctions
There are two quite separate aspects of speed reading that are helpful to distinguish:

1. Reading better: Speed reading is not only about improving reading speed. It also includes a number of techniques which help you to read more efficiently and adapt your approach to what you are reading. For example, if you have a large report to read then to start with you will probably need an overview. In this case one good technique is to power browse:
• Look briefly at the cover of your document and see what it tells you about the subject.
• Look at the table of contents to understand the flow of the document.
• Run through the document briefly – one or two seconds per page should do. Make a note of how it is put together and what parts interest you.
• Highlight those parts that you want to explore in more detail.
• Finally do a quick review and Mind Map (http://www.mind-mapping.co.uk) what you have just browsed.
2. Reading faster: The second aspect of this approach is improving you