Your cart

If you're serious about speed reading, the methods mentioned below will certainly set you on the right path! However, keep in mind that you won't start reading fast overnight. It takes time for the brain to adjust to the changes, so equip yourself with patience and perseverance!

As such, here are 12 tips that can help you increase your reading speed!

1. Establish Your Baseline Reading Speed

Before starting your speed reading journey, it’s probably best to understand how fast you're reading now. This way, you can set an achievable goal and see how much you've distanced yourself from your normal rate.

The reading speed is measured in words per minute (WPM). To calculate your WPM, divide the number of words read by the time spent reading (in minutes). For example, read one page in a book while timing how long it takes you to do this. Estimate the number of words on that page. Then, divide the number of words by the number of minutes it took you to read the page. While testing your current speed, summarize what you've read or answer questions to check if you've retained the information.

The average number of words people read per minute is around 238–that is, for silent reading. The average reading speed for reading aloud is approximately 183 WPM.

However, these numbers are not set in stone because the type of content is just as important. Naturally, if it's a technical book, you'll read slowly. If it's a self-help book, you'll read faster, probably skipping whole lines, as these books often contain a lot of filler words.

When you're setting a WPM goal, keep in mind that it may affect comprehension. Faster reading is only beneficial if you can retain and understand the information. To be able to do this, it's best to take things slowly to avoid overwhelming your brain.

2. Learn to Read Groups of Words (Chunking)

Chunking involves reading groups of two (or more!) words as a single word. So, in essence, you won't read sentences word-by-word anymore.

Think of chunking this way: letters and separate words don't carry enough meaning to convey an idea. Now, when they're combined–that's another story. Word groups do carry concepts, which is why chunking is an excellent method to go through reading materials faster without losing focus.

Here's how you can do this:

• Start with chunking just two words. This is a good start if you've never tried this method before. You'll stimulate your brain just enough to jump from normal speed to a slightly faster reading to challenge your reading skills.

• Use your finger to jump from one word group to another.

• Practice this only for 10-15 minutes a day. Consider it like a brain exercise. Don't use this method when you're reading for pleasure. Your eye muscles and your brain need to rest.

• When you master reading in 4-word groups, you can switch to the Zig-Zag method: go down the page in a zig-zag motion, jumping from one word group to another and skipping filler words. You'd start from the first line and then jump to the next by reading only one word group per line.

If you're familiar with the syntax rules of the language you're reading in, you'll likely be able to get used to this technique faster. When you're accustomed to different types of phrases, clauses, and sentences, you'll find it much easier to predict what comes next simply by looking at the first word in a word group.

You can combine this method with hand-pacing (using your finger to follow the text) and other speed-reading techniques.

3. Switch to Audiobooks

If you need to read a book fast, switch to the audiobook. You can listen at increased speeds like 1.5x or 2x, which basically doubles your reading speed. Moreover, it also trains your brain to process information faster thus supporting your efforts towards speed reading.

You can also combine the audiobook with the physical book. While you're listening to the book at an increased speed, follow the same text in a physical copy with your finger. Or, if you don't like this method, use your hands for an activity like crafting or gardening. You'll notice that when your hands are busy with a somewhat automatic activity, you'll find it much easier to focus on the audiobook.

4. Read More to Read Faster

Probably the most tested way to increase reading speed and enhance overall reading ability is to simply read more. Regular reading builds familiarity with language patterns, vocabulary, and structure, easing information processing.

However, make sure to diversify your reading content! Practice reading skills with academic articles, research papers, fantasy or sci-fi books (these can be incredibly useful in training your brain to adapt faster to new words!), classic books, and non-fiction books.

Even a few minutes of reading a day can help you progress rather quickly, especially if reading has not been a habit for you until now! For example, you can read one chapter before bed or some interesting online resources during your commute.

5. Use Visual Aids

Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for speed reading (pro tip: using a visual tool is definitely a game-changer for people with ADHD!). Remember how you read in elementary school, following the text with your finger? It's proof that this technique really works! You can guide your eyes with a pen, for example, a digital highlighter, or your finger. This way, you prevent back-skipping and maintain consistent eye movement.

When you offer your eyes a fixed point they can get anchored to, you maintain a smoother, more efficient reading flow and help your eyes follow the text in a straight line. This technique not only improves your speed but also enhances overall comprehension.

Visual aids also prevent regression, the habit of rereading sentences. A study has shown that regressions actually comprise 10%-15% of eye movements during reading, so if you manage to lower that percentage with visual aids, you'll certainly increase your reading speed!

6. Reduce Subvocalization

Subvocalization means silently pronouncing each word in your head. This can make you read words more slowly. This inner voice ties your reading speed to your speaking speed, which is typically around 150 words per minute, so it will take you a lot more time to read a text this way.

Here are some methods you can try to stop subvocalization:

• Listen to instrumental music or white noise.

• Chew gum.

• Repeat 1-2-3 in your head while reading.

• If you're using an e-reader, try switching to a smaller font size. Some readers reported that this helped them reduce subvocalization.

• Read aloud or read the text whispering–this sounds counterintuitive but hear us out! You don't have to pronounce the words completely. You'll notice that your mind tends to skip the end of the word and jump straight next to the other one if you start reading faster. This is less likely to happen if you pronounce the words in your head.

• You can also try speed-reading apps that flash one word or phrase at a time (like Spritz), which makes it nearly impossible to subvocalize.

7. Use the Indentation Method

The indentation method uses your eyes’ natural movements to help with speed reading. All you have to do is indent page margins by 1-2 words. Just draw a vertical line on both sides of the page. Then, you'll have to read the text that is between those two lines. This way, you'll read fewer words but still capture the ones that are outside the lines thanks to your peripheral vision.

Here's one line to test this method:

"The grass | is always greener on the other side of | the fence"--even if you don't literally read the words "the grass" and "the fence," your eyes still capture them. Plus, your brain can fill in the missing words easily because it already knows the proverb.

Over time, your peripheral vision will become sharper, helping you "see" more of the sentence without having to focus on each individual word. Combine this with chunking or note-taking for the best results!

8. Train Your Processing Speed with Mendi Neurofeedback

If you're serious about boosting your reading speed and comprehension, Mendi could be your secret weapon! Unlike quick-fix hacks that offer temporary results, Mendi helps you train your brain for long-term cognitive performance.

This science-backed neurofeedback headband is designed to improve the activity of your prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for focus, mental clarity, processing speed, and memory—all essential for mastering speed reading without sacrificing comprehension.

• Why neurofeedback works: Mendi uses visual feedback to show your brain in action, helping you gradually train it like a muscle. The more you practice, the better your focus and processing speed get.

• What makes it different: Unlike quick hacks or temporary tricks, Mendi promotes long-term neuroplasticity, meaning the improvements you gain are long-lasting.

• User tip: Use Mendi for 5–10 minutes a day before a reading session. It helps get your brain into a high-performance state, like a warm-up before a workout!

Why readers love Mendi:

• Scientifically proven results: our headband is backed by neuroscience and validated by real users who report measurable improvements in attention span and productivity.

• Custom brain training: the game is interactive, and the visual feedback shows your progress in real time.

• Only 3-15 minutes a day: it doesn't take too much of your free time.

• Improved reading, study & work performance: it is especially effective for students, professionals, and anyone with ADHD or focus challenges.

• Sustainable cognitive growth with consistent practice: Mendi is a tool that can reshape how the human brain processes information (keep in mind that you may not notice improvements within the first week or the first two weeks; it may take months for neurofeedback to really work).

9. Use a Reading Tool With an Auto-Scroll Function

Reading tools featuring an auto-scroll function can be really helpful for very slow readers! These tools move the text at a consistent pace, training your eyes to keep up. Automated scrolling removes manual adjustments, allowing you to focus solely on reading, given that it reduces distractions.

Many auto-scroll apps offer adjustable speeds to match your skill level. This flexibility lets you gradually increase your reading pace as you become more comfortable. Some apps you could try include Reedy, SwiftRead, or Outread, which are great for speed reading.

10. Practice Meditation to Shut Off Internal Monologue

We're sure every reader has experienced this at least once–reading for half an hour and not remembering anything from those few pages they've just read. It's normal. There are so many thoughts passing through our minds that sometimes we don't even notice how one thought turns into an internal monologue.

The good news is that you can train your mind to stay silent during speed reading. This can be done with meditation and mindfulness because they help anchor you in the present moment and train your mind to stay grounded.

Daily meditation sessions, even 5-10 minutes, can significantly improve attention span. This increased focus translates into faster, more effective reading and ensures you're not wasting valuable time rereading.

11. Use Active Reading Techniques

Active reading techniques are essential for improving both speed and reading comprehension. Here are some active reading techniques you can try:

• Preview the text before reading. Skim heading, subheadings, and highlighted terms. This way, you will create a roadmap of the content and prime your brain to absorb key information quickly.

• Ask questions while reading to keep your brain actively engaged.

• Highlight and annotate while reading, underlining the key points and taking notes on the margins.

• At the end of each chapter or section, summarize what you've just read, trying to memorize the main ideas.

• Underline unfamiliar words. This will help you expand your vocabulary, which, over time, will also help you become a fast reader.

• Create flow charts, timelines, or sketches to understand the information better.

• Try the SQ3R method: survey, question, read, recite, and review the text.

• Join a book club or attend a speed reading course where you can share your experience with others.

Now, you're probably thinking, How will this increase my reading speed if I'm actually spending more time on the text? You're right to ask this. You are indeed reading slower–for now. Consider that these techniques are training your brain to accept the challenge of interpreting the text in different ways, learning new words, and reading between the lines. Over time, these methods support your speed reading goals. You may find it much easier to read a text more quickly without affecting comprehension, being one step closer to becoming a voracious reader!

12. Read a Different Book

Sometimes, the problem is not our reading speed or comprehension. Sometimes, the problem is the book. Don't feel guilty that you don't read it until the last word. Just DNF it. Maybe you'll return to it one day, and it will feel different. There are so many books in the world that it would be a pity to miss out on the next great one because you're trying to finish your current read.

Remember that you can always go back to your DNF list! The word goes that the right book comes at the perfect time!

Read Faster with Mendi!

Mendi is an advanced neurofeedback headband, developed with insights from top neuroscience experts, that can strengthen your prefrontal cortex, key for attention, mental clarity, and cognitive performance.

So, if you want to boost your reading speed by directly training your brain, Mendi can help you get there, as it brings the cutting-edge fNIRS technology straight to your home! Get your own Mendi today and join thousands of users who are already enjoying its benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you actually increase reading speed?

Yes, you can increase your reading speed. With practice, your brain learns to recognize word patterns faster, reduce unnecessary pauses like regression and subvocalization, and process information more efficiently.

How to increase speed reading?

You can increase your reading speed by using visual aids, learning how to group words, reducing subvocalization, and training your brain with neurofeedback for sustained focus and better information processing.

How can I improve my reading speed fast?

You can improve your reading speed fast by listening to audiobooks at an increased speed while following the same text in a physical copy. You can also listen to background music or chew gum to reduce subvocalization.

How do I measure my current reading speed?

To effectively measure your current reading speed, time yourself reading a passage or a page in a book, then calculate your speed in words per minute (WPM). This simple method empowers you to track your improvement over time!