What is Speed Reading? A Journey Beyond Words

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.

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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.

In the early 20th century, John Anthony O’Brien advanced the field with his 1921 book Silent Reading, which emphasised efficient, non-vocalized reading. By 1925, the US Air Force launched the first formal speed reading course at Syracuse University, reflecting the growing institutional interest in faster reading techniques.

The mid-20th century brought rapid innovation. In the 1940s, Harvard researchers used tachistoscopes to train faster reading speeds. Meanwhile, Mortimer Adler’s How to Read a Book introduced “syntopic reading,” a method for synthesising information across multiple texts. In the 1950s, Evelyn Wood coined the term “speed reading,” pioneering pacer tools and methods like vertical chunk reading. Her “Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics” became widely adopted, even among White House staff.

Timeline for speed reading history

By the 1970s, Tony Buzan transformed reading strategies with his book Speed Reading, introducing mind mapping, a creative and non-linear way to take notes and enhance retention. In the 1980s and 1990s, researchers like Norman Dixon and Paul Scheele explored subconscious processing. Scheele’s “PhotoReading Whole Mind System” combined rapid exposure to texts with subconscious information absorption.

From 2000 to 2010, Susan Norman and Jan Cisek synthesised these approaches to create “Spd Rdng,” a flexible system composed of 37-speed reading techniques incorporating rhizomapping, mind mapping, and personalised techniques adaptable to different types of texts and learning objectives. In October 2010, they published their first book, Spd Rdng: The Speed Reading Bible.

Now, in 2025, we’re excited to continue this evolution by publishing Speed Reading Faster, a practical guide that builds on the rich history of speed reading. With effective techniques and actionable strategies, this book sets a new standard for what speed reading can achieve.

Read the full history of speed reading

Speed Reading for the Modern Reader

Most people think speed reading is a simple matter of reading faster. But in our new book Speed Reading Faster, we show that it’s more nuanced than that. It’s about learning to navigate texts effectively using a combination of proven methods, such as:

  1. Purpose – Understanding why you are reading a text sets the stage for how you engage with it. Knowing your purpose helps you sift through content to extract only what’s necessary.
  2. Preview – Before looking at the detail in a text, take a few minutes to skim and gain an overview. This builds familiarity and context, making detailed reading faster and more focused.
  3. Overview – By focusing on the “big picture” before delving into the details, you can prioritise key insights and avoid getting lost in unnecessary information.
  4. Read in Meaningful Chunks – Train your eyes and brain to process phrases or sentences instead of individual words, dramatically enhancing both speed and comprehension.
  5. And more

Transformative Techniques That Make a Difference

The book also introduces practical approaches like the 20-minute speed reading session where, based on their purpose, readers aim to extract six actionable insights from a text within a set timeframe. This method not only trains you to focus on key points but also helps you become more selective and efficient in your reading habits.

Furthermore, we encourage a shift in mindset from traditional reading – where one reads every word – to speed reading. Instead of attempting to gather all the information in a text, focus on retrieving the most relevant data for your specific purpose.

Why Choose Speed Reading?

The ability to read quickly and comprehend effectively is invaluable in a world inundated with information. Whether for academic research, business insights, or personal growth, speed reading equips you with the tools to manage your time and mental energy more effectively.

But speed reading isn’t just about reading fast – it’s about empowering you to adapt to different kinds of texts and purposes. From complex technical papers to light fiction, the techniques in Speed Reading Faster will transform your approach to reading, learning and studying.

A New Frontier in Accelerated Learning

With over 25 years of research and practical application behind it, Speed Reading Faster is more than a guide; it’s a toolkit for readers of all levels. It demystifies the art of speed reading, proving that anyone can improve their reading skills through structured usage and the right techniques for specific texts.

If you’ve ever wished for more hours in a day or felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you need to process, this book is your gateway to becoming a confident and competent speed reader.

Speed reading isn’t just a journey – it’s your fast track to mastering time, knowledge and wisdom. With Speed Reading Faster – Maximize You Success in Business and Study, every moment you speed read becomes a game-changer.

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