Ways to Improve Reading

Reading is becoming more and more important in the new knowledge economy and remains the most effective human activity for transforming information into knowledge.
If top readers read at speeds of above 1000 words per minute (wpm) with nearly 85% comprehension,they only represent 1% of readers.Average readers are the majority and the only reach around 200 wpm with a typical comprehension of 60%.This seems surprising since most readers,actively reading work documents,newspapers,magzines,books or the contents of a computer display are practicing daily for at least one hour.With such an intense training everyone should be close to top performances.
Unfortunately,this is far from the real situation.An average reader is five times slower than a good reader.Things are even worse if we consider reading efficiency as well as speed.Reading efficiency is reading speed weighed by comprehension rate and it amounts to 200 * 60% or 120 efficiency words per minute s.(ewpm) for the average readers and to 1000 * 85% or 850 ewpm for top readers.Thus,an efficiency ratio of seven divides those two categories.
There are two possible ways to improve reading.The fastest is probably a speed reading seminar based upon good material and animated by a dynamic instructor.It is quite usual for a slow reader to to double even triple his reading efficiency during a two-day class offering a possible atmosphere,carefully selected texts and comprehension test.However,as this rapid and encouraging impromentis not sufficiently anchored,it often fades with time.
A book about speed reading is the second possibility.Such a book usually provides speed and comprehension tests as well as techniques to improve reading.It often includes more general information about concentration,interest stimulation,skimming techniques and ways to approach a text.Some methods may include audio or videocasettes.A book-based method requires a good deal of time as well as a strong commitment from the reader.
Finally,a speed reading computer program is probably the most efficient way to achieve top reading levels.Computers offer unique exercises to boost reading efficiency through interactivity,text animation and pacing.Higher reading skills obtained with the help of a computer screen are totally transferable to reading from paper.Unfortunately the inverse way does not work so well.Speed reading software delivers enjoyable and fast paced training,thus giving the consistent practice necessary to break lifelong slow reading habits.This is the task that seminars and speed reading books usually leave up to the readers.

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