Speed Reading Faster – FREE talk at Watkins Books in London, 24 July 2025 (Thursday), 5pm – 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK

Perfect for students, professionals and avid readers, this easy-to-follow guide will not only improve your reading speed, but also aid your retention, concentration and comprehension. Pick up proven techniques and shortcuts to make speed reading simple, effective and effortless, such as how to:
• identify key information
• read in meaningful chunks
• open your peripheral vision
• move your eyes in patterns
and much more!

Meet the authors, Jan Cisek and Susan Norman, at Watkins Books in London presenting their latest books Speed Reading Faster

You can purchase Speed Reading Faster at Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/2Nawva4
or Waterstones UK: https://www.waterstones.com/book/speed-reading-faster/jan-cisek/susan-norman/9781786789228

Book this FREE talk at Watkins Books website: https://www.watkinsbooks.com/event-details/speed-reading-faster-maximize-your-success-in-business-study-jan-cisek-susan-norman

You’ve tasted it. The freedom of speed reading. The thrill of doubling your reading speed and getting through your workload faster than ever before. You know the techniques. You’ve experienced the benefits.

But then something happens.

You’re reading a dense article, a textbook, or even a simple email, and suddenly you realise you’re back to the old habit. Reading slowly and linearly (possibly on word at a time), hoping to absorb it all. You sigh. “Why am I doing this again?”

Here’s the truth: speed reading isn’t just a technique. It’s a mindset, a habit, and a lifestyle shift. Forming this habit takes intentional effort. But once it’s embedded, it transforms not just how you read, but how you think and learn.

Let’s explore what it really takes to leave old habits behind and make speed reading second nature.

Forming a New Habit Begins with Conscious Use and Practice
Like brushing your teeth or driving a car, speed reading only becomes effortless after consistent, conscious repetition. Initially, your brain resists. It wants to fall back on well-worn neural pathways, the ones built by years of reading slowly, word by word.

To create a new reading habit, you need to:

• Use speed reading techniques every day, even for a few minutes.
• Make speed reading your default, not your “sometimes” mode.
• Remind your brain that it’s safe, effective, and more efficient to read this new way.

Continue reading →

The book Speed Reading Faster presents several, novel ideas and techniques to improve reading speed and comprehension. Here are some of the most notable concepts:

• The book itself teaches you how to (speed) read it. The book encourages readers to use speed reading techniques right away and to not read every word, but only what is necessary to start using the techniques . The book’s structure is designed to be read non-sequentially.
• Speed reading is more than just reading faster; it’s about getting information quickly and efficiently. It’s about using techniques to absorb more information faster, which includes knowing shortcuts to your goal, similar to knowing shortcuts when driving.
• A key technique is to have a clear purpose before you start reading. This involves knowing precisely what you want to get from the text in the time available. Setting a clear purpose makes it easier to keep your concentration and find information.

Continue reading →

The Importance of Reading and Speed Reading: A Key to Economic Growth in the U.S. and the Rest of the World

Literacy is a foundational skill that influences both individual success and national economic stability. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to read and process information quickly is more critical than ever. However, literacy statistics in the United States and some other countries reveal a troubling decline, posing significant economic and social challenges.

Current Literacy Crisis in the United States
Recent data indicates that 54% of American adults aged 16 to 74 have literacy skills below a sixth-grade level, which translates to approximately 130 million adults struggling with basic reading and comprehension. Even more concerning, 21% of U.S. adults are classified as illiterate, bringing the country’s overall literacy rate down to 79% in 2025—a decline from 85.64% in 2020.

Low literacy levels have far-reaching consequences. Studies show that inadequate literacy skills cost the U.S. economy up to $2.2 trillion annually, affecting workforce productivity, employability, and innovation. With a growing demand for digital and information literacy in modern industries, the inability to read and process information efficiently places millions of Americans at an economic disadvantage.

Continue reading →

Why Do We Need Speed Reading Faster in the Age of AI?

Why do we need speed reading faster now more than ever? Because of competition, i.e. AI. 🙂

As AI continues to advance, processing and analysing information at unprecedented speeds, humans must find ways to keep up and stay relevant. The rise of AI is reshaping industries, leading to job losses in some fields – a ‘winter’ for certain professions – making it crucial for individuals to enhance their adaptability and cognitive agility to thrive in an evolving job market.

It might seem counterintuitive to write a book on speed reading when AI can perform reading tasks faster and more efficiently, but in reality, speed reading remains a crucial skill for human adaptability and cognitive agility – keep reading and you’ll know why speed reading is still relevant – and maybe more than ever.

Speed reading is not just about reading faster; it’s about adapting to an era where information is abundant, and the ability to quickly comprehend and synthesise knowledge can set individuals apart. AI may process data, but humans must still make sense of it, apply critical thinking, and innovate within and beyond what AI can do or predict.

Why Speed Reading Still Matters in the Age of AI
In a world where artificial intelligence can process, analyse, and summarise vast amounts of information in seconds, the role of human reading and comprehension is evolving. Speed reading, once considered a crucial skill for navigating information overload, may seem less relevant when AI can do all the heavy lifting. However, a deeper look suggests that speed reading can still hold a vital and unexpected role – one that resembles the groundbreaking Move 37 in the historic AlphaGo match.

Continue reading →

Why Speed Readers Make More Money and Achieve Greater Success

In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, the ability to process information efficiently isn’t just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Among the most underrated skills driving career success is speed reading. While many assume it’s a niche talent, evidence suggests that speed readers often outpace their peers in earnings, promotions, and overall achievement. Let’s explore the link between speed reading and success.

The Hidden Advantage: How Speed Reading Fuels Success

1. Time Efficiency Translates to Productivity

Speed reading enables professionals to digest reports, emails, and industry updates in a fraction of the time. For example, a participant in one of our courses reported a £30,000 salary increase within three months of mastering these techniques, attributing it to his ability to handle workloads three times faster than colleagues. By compressing hours of reading into minutes, speed readers free up time for high-value tasks – negotiations, strategic planning, or skill development – that directly impact career growth.

In short, speed readers are more successful in personal and professional lives because they get good quality knowledge and wisdom, faster.

For instance, lawyers who must analyse lengthy legal documents can benefit immensely. A legal consultant who adopted speed reading techniques found that she could prepare cases twice as fast as before, leading to increased billable hours and more satisfied clients. Likewise, business executives who need to keep up with industry trends can process market reports swiftly, giving them an edge in strategic planning.

Continue reading →

Famous Speed Readers: From Tony Robbins to Historical Figures

The ability to read quickly and comprehend vast amounts of information has long been admired and sought after. Throughout history, many notable figures have been renowned for their exceptional reading speeds and voracious appetites for knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most famous speed readers, from modern self-help gurus to historical icons, and examine their thoughts on the practice of speed reading.

Anthony Robbins Speed Reader

Tony Robbins: The Modern Speed Reading Advocate

Tony Robbins, the renowned motivational speaker and self-help author, is a strong proponent of speed reading. In his youth, Robbins recognised the power of knowledge and sought to consume as much information as possible. He has often spoken about how learning to speed read changed his life:

“As a young man, I decided I was going to read a book a day. I didn’t quite read a book a day, but over seven years, I did read more than 700 books…”

Robbins credits his success in part to his ability to rapidly consume and synthesise information. He took a speed reading course as a teenager and used this skill to devour hundreds of books on psychology, personal development, and human behaviour. This foundation of knowledge became the basis for his career as a life coach and motivational speaker.

In addition, Robbins has endorsed techniques like PhotoReading (a branded version of speed reading), remarking, “I have seen Paul Scheele help countless numbers of people to discover a faster, more efficient path to success through his PhotoReading system. No matter what you need to read, he can teach you to get it done in a third of the time.”

Continue reading →

Master 7 Practical Uses and Transformative Benefits of Speed Reading:  Unlock Knowledge, Save Time, and Enhance Focus with Speed Reading

Introduction: Why Speed Reading Matters in Today’s World
In an age where information flows at unprecedented speeds, our ability to process and utilise knowledge effectively is paramount. Speed reading is not just about reading faster; it is about learning smarter, increasing comprehension, and accessing the critical information needed for decision-making in record time. This blog explores the diverse applications of speed reading and how it can transform the way you interact with the world.

7 Practical Uses and Transformative Benefits of Speed Reading:
Academic Achievement: Absorbing Knowledge Effectively
Professional Development: Staying Ahead in Your Career
Personal Development and Lifelong Learning
Overcoming Challenges in Reading Dense or Technical Texts
Leveraging Speed Reading in the Digital Age
Enhancing Cognitive Skills and Mental Agility
Speed Reading for Creative and Strategic Thinking

1. Academic Achievement: Absorbing Knowledge Effectively

Students and researchers face a constant influx of reading materials, from textbooks to research papers. Speed reading techniques are transformative tools that empower learners to manage their workload effectively, retain key information, and excel in their academic pursuits.

Rapid comprehension: Different speed reading techniques enable readers to quickly grasp the main arguments in academic texts. By focusing on grouping words into meaningful clusters or scanning for key themes, readers can understand the overall narrative without the need for line-by-line reading.

Syntopic reading: This advanced strategy involves reading multiple sources simultaneously to compare and synthesise ideas. For instance, a history student exploring World War I can juxtapose primary sources, scholarly critiques, and contemporary interpretations to create a nuanced understanding of the topic (Carr, 2011).

Continue reading →

Speed reading has captured imaginations for decades, often viewed as the key to processing written material at lightning speed. But as we dive into the world of speed reading, it becomes evident that it’s about much more than mere speed. With techniques that enhance comprehension, efficiency, and focus, speed reading transforms how we interact with written words.

Our new book, Speed Reading Faster – Maximize You Success in Business and Study, pushes the boundaries of traditional speed reading. It’s not just about turning pages faster and reading faster; it’s about employing strategic shortcuts to make learning and reading more purposeful and impactful.

Listen to a podcast about this blog below

A Brief History of Speed Reading

The concept of speed reading has developed over more than a century, beginning in the 19th century with Emil Javel. In 1878, Javel discovered “saccades,” the small jumps our eyes make during reading, and showed that readers could process chunks of text rather than individual words. By 1884, silent reading techniques gained prominence, focusing on reducing subvocalisation, where readers say words internally as they read.

Continue reading →

The New Year is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to set new goals and embrace transformative habits. This blog is about keeping any New Year resolution, small or big.
If there’s one resolution that can revolutionise your personal and professional life, it’s learning to speed read, for example (which I use as an example, but replace it with your new resolution or habits you want to master).
Imagine absorbing books, reports, and emails in record time while retaining the information you need. Speed reading is not just a skill—it’s a game-changer.

Listen to the podcast about speed reading as your 2025 New Year’s resolution…

This year, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our new book, Speed Reading Faster, on 11 March. Why not make speed reading your New Year’s resolution and commit to pre-ordering the book today? Backed by insights into the power of resolutions, this blog explores how habits, such as speed reading can transform your life and offers tips to help you stick to your goals.

Continue reading →

Every year, bibliophiles, film enthusiasts, speed readers, and bookaholics eagerly anticipate a special moment in January: Public Domain Day. It’s the time when certain creative works are liberated from the chains of copyright and become part of the public domain, allowing anyone to freely read, share, remix, and reinterpret them. In 2025, a treasure trove of literature, music, film, and more has entered the public domain, opening new doors to creativity and access.

The Public Domain: A Gateway to Cultural Freedom

The public domain comprises works whose intellectual property rights have expired or were never applicable, meaning they are free for everyone to use. This cultural wealth promotes creativity, innovation, and accessibility. In the UK, works enter the public domain 70 years after the death of their creators, while in the US, copyright lasts for 95 years for works published before 1978. This year marks a particularly exciting milestone as notable works from 1929—and more—become freely available. Speed readers can dive into these classics at a pace that suits their appetite for knowledge, while bookaholics can relish the opportunity to explore these timeless treasures without limits.

Continue reading →

Pre-order the book now – it will be published on 11 March 2025!

For pre-orders in the UK, Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/2Nawva4

The most comprehensive book on speed reading, guiding readers through simple techniques, strategies and tips to improve their reading speed, understanding and concentration.

This is a practical, accessible guide to reading faster, improving concentration and increasing retention. Experts Jan Cisek and Susan Norman use their 20+ years’ experience to teach readers the best tips and hacks on getting information more efficiently and effectively.

Whether the reader is a student trying to improve their study skills, a professional who needs to review more material as a part of their job or someone who wants to read more for pleasure, this is the only guide they need.

With an accessible bespoke design, the typography will make information easy to find, giving readers a simple starting point to practise their speed reading. This book will not only teach you how to read faster, it will show you how to:

• improve your concentration
• understand what you’re reading
• remember more of the information
• critically analyse a text to determine what information is important

Speed Reading Faster makes it easy to be successful with less effort – to become a smarter, faster and more productive reader.

About the Author

We’re presenting at the NLP conference: Saturday, 20 May 2023, 15:30-17:00, ONLINE

Not enough time to get through all the NLP books? Or any books?

Summary of How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren

Summary of How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren

“How to Read a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren is a classic guide on the art of reading. It not only explains why reading is important but also provides techniques for deriving the most value from the written word.

1. The levels of reading
• Elementary Reading: Basic ability to read the written word, typically taught in elementary schools.
• Inspectional Reading: Skimming or superficial reading. The aim is to get the most out of a book within a limited time frame.
• Analytical Reading: A more thorough and systematic way of reading. The goal is to truly understand the content, arguments, and structure of the book.
• Syntopical Reading: Reading multiple books on the same topic and comparing them. This is the most complex reading level, requiring the reader to construct an analysis that might not be present in any of the books. We call it syntopic processing

Continue reading →

The Age of AI: And Our Human Future by Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Huttenlocher is a thought-provoking and expansive exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape our societies and challenge our very understanding of what it means to be human. Written by leaders from the realms of politics, technology, and academia, the book presents an in-depth analysis of the opportunities, risks, and philosophical questions brought about by the rise of AI. As the authors say, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming human society in fundamental and profound ways. Not since the Age of Reason have we changed how we approach security, economics, order, and even knowledge itself. In the Age of AI, three deep and accomplished thinkers come together to consider what AI will mean for us all.”

Key Themes

AI as a Transformative Force
The authors argue that AI represents far more than a typical technological innovation—it is a revolutionary force that is altering the human experience itself. Unlike previous inventions that simply changed how we work or live, AI is reshaping how we understand ourselves and our role within the broader context of society. The book emphasises that AI’s impact extends beyond economic or technical improvements; it transforms human cognition and perception (of reality and ourselves).

Continue reading →

Antiquarian booksellers are part scholar, part detective and part businessperson, and their personalities and knowledge are as broad as the material they handle. They also play an underappreciated yet essential role in preserving history. THE BOOKSELLERS takes viewers inside their small but fascinating world, populated by an assortment of obsessives, intellects, eccentrics and dreamers.

Watch The Booksellers movie at home https://www.booksellersmovie.com/

My favourite bookshops

Some time ago (2009), Tom O’Connor (of NLP TIMES) did an NLP meta-program modelling on my speed reading strategies. You can read it here: NLP Meta-Programs and Speed Reading / Spd Rdng Part 1

Obviously, I’ve been fine-tuning my speed reading skills to a much higher level since then. Hence this blog where we’re going to crack it for you so you don’t have to. This time, Tom asked me a few, high voltage questions to get his speed reading skills to my super-duper speed reading level.

Firstly, if you’re new to speed reading, since 2009, I’ve probably speed read at least 12 000 books and texts. I’m not saying that to impress you (not at all) – but to impress upon you – that you can too with some basic speed reading skills, strategies and skills (that you can learn from our speed reading books and speed reading courses). It might seem a lot – 1000+ books/year (not for me), if you’re an average reader (who reads less than 55 books/year ie one book/week, which should be the minimum – you should aim at, at least 1 book/day in 20-minute speed reading session = 365 books/year). Actually, research suggests that in the UK, only 41% of the population reads more than 15 books/year.

Here are the general principles to Tom’s NLP modelling questions… (all his questions are at the end of the blog with my specific answers)

Top super-duper speed reading tips (mostly for factual books)

• Read more – anything

And most people do read more now, without realising it – any reading counts, even signs, cornflake packaging and restaurants’ menus. The more you read, the bigger your schema (your total knowledge, wisdom, etc) in your mind/brain. For the record, I don’t read lots of novels – probably half a dozen/year. I used to though, and I highly recommend reading novels, ‘slowly’ for pleasure and fun or to kill time, which research confirms will help you build your emotional intelligence, resilience and survival skills. Books are tools of recognition – a way of recognising where you are as a human being. The word ‘reading’ is an interesting one – you read to understand the text and you’re doing ‘reading’ on the text ie through your own interpretive modes of perception. Read more is speed reading technique #36 in our Spd Rdng System.

Also, recognise that you already have some speed reading skills such as speed-reading newspapers, using a dictionary and searching the Internet.

Speed read hundreds of books a year

Continue reading →