Without question, to learn how to read faster and become an effective speed reader depends on the ability to submerge yourself into the reading process. Concentration is the secret to becoming a better reader, and you cannot learn to speed read if you do not learn to concentrate.
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Are you so thoroughly engrossed in what you are reading that surrounding noises will not disturb you or make you look up?
2. Are you disciplined enough to stop exterior thoughts from creeping into your mind while reading? If thoughts creep into your mind about a phone call you need to make, or a chore you forgot to do, than it is not thoroughly engaged when you are reading.
Most people remember only a fraction of what they read because their minds are only partially engaged and they are reading aimlessly. Concentration however is a technique that can be learned, and you can train yourself to concentrate fully while you are reading. Until you train yourself to concentrate fully when you are reading, you will not retain nearly as much of what you read as you are capable of remembering.
Creating the proper environment will help you engage your mind fully while reading. Good lighting is an essential item you can easily control. Reading in sunlight or under very bright lights will enhance your reading experience.
Lying on a sofa or curling up in a soft chair is usually not a good idea. It is much harder to concentrate if you are too relaxed. A chair that is comfortable but causes you to sit upright has been found to keep you more alert.
Shutting out distracting noises will help a great deal. Reading in a room where you can close the door and shut out surrounding noises such as conversations in another room, or voices on a radio or television will help. Once you relax from everyday tensions you will find it much easier to fixate on what you’re reading. This is not always possible of course, but practicing in such an environment will help you learn to concentrate and make it easier to engage your mind while reading under less comfortable conditions.
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