How to Read Faster: Speed Reading Techniques That Work
7 min read · Updated 2025
The average adult reads at 200–250 words per minute — the same speed as speech. With deliberate practice, most people can reach 400–600 WPM while maintaining good comprehension. This isn't about gimmicks; it is about eliminating inefficient habits your eyes and brain learned in primary school.
Why Most People Read Slowly
- Subvocalisation: Mentally "saying" every word at speaking speed (~150 WPM)
- Regression: Re-reading lines you just read — often unconsciously
- Word-by-word reading: Fixating on each word instead of groups of words
- Narrow eye fixations: Eyes move left-to-right in 3–5 fixation jumps per line
Technique 1: Chunking (Group Words Together)
Your eyes do not glide smoothly across the page — they jump in "saccades" between fixation points. Each fixation takes 0.2–0.5 seconds. The goal is to take in more words per fixation.
Practice by drawing a vertical line down the centre of a text column. Force your eyes to start at that centre line rather than the left margin. Your peripheral vision captures the beginning and end of lines. Over time, widen your span to cover 3–5 words per fixation.
Technique 2: Reduce Regression
Regression (re-reading) accounts for 15–25% of average reading time. Most regression is unnecessary — your brain understood it the first time. Use a finger or pen as a pacer, moving smoothly under each line. Your eyes will follow the pointer rather than jumping backwards.
Technique 3: Minimise Subvocalisation
Subvocalisation cannot be fully eliminated without destroying comprehension for complex material. The goal is to reduce it for familiar, easy content:
- Hum a single note while reading — interrupts the internal voice
- Count silently "1, 2, 3" while reading — occupies the verbal channel
- Gradually push your reading pace faster than your comfortable speaking speed
Reserve normal subvocalised reading for complex academic texts where deep processing is needed.
Technique 4: Preview Before Reading
Spend 2–3 minutes skimming a chapter before reading it properly:
- Read the title, headings, and subheadings
- Read the first and last paragraph of each section
- Look at any figures, tables, or highlighted text
This primes your brain with a schema — a mental map of the content. When you read the full text, comprehension and speed both increase significantly.
Reading Speed Benchmarks
| Speed (WPM) | Level | Comprehension |
|---|---|---|
| 100–150 | Slow / struggling | Often high (over-processing) |
| 200–250 | Average adult | 60–70% |
| 300–400 | Good reader | 70–80% |
| 400–600 | Excellent reader | 75–85% |
| 600–1000 | Speed reader | 60–70% (decreasing) |
| 1000+ | Extreme skimming | Under 50% for most people |
Test and improve your reading speed with BrainBoost's Typing Master. Also try Flashcards and the Revision Scheduler to improve learning efficiency.