Speed Reading

[Markpyro]

http://shareup.com/Speed_Reading-download-28784.html

A free trial program... Im using it and it is interesting... I slowly increase the words per minute as I slowly gain speed reading, and it gets better. On the cheaper side, but still interesting.

-MP

[Black.Ice]

Hmm, interesting. I just installed it, and used it for a few minutes. Does it seem to be helping you? How long have you been using it for?

I just need to get some good text files.

[Markpyro]

They have some pre-loaded ones... I just found it today, and I have noticed a little change, though I have been using it for an hour already.

I can upload more text files if you want them though.

[Black.Ice]

I couldn't find any preloaded textfiles. Go ahead and upload some, if they are decent.

I was actually thinking about downloading an RP thread or something and converting it to text.

[Dark_Soul74]

This'd make a pretty good brainwashing program...

[Markpyro]

Thank you for your negitivity.

[GrassDragon]

What exactly does the program do? I'm on a Mac, so I'll look for an alternative. I've wanted to do something like this before though, just to increase reading speed. I know some people can stare at the middle of a line and read the whole line, but I have to follow along the whole line with my eyes to read it.

[Markpyro]

It "reads" a text file, showing only one word, one after the other on the screen at a speed depending on how you set it. I could actually make a lesson in flash if you were desperate to try it. Otherwise, just search on google for "Speed reading free software" and you should find some.

[Black.Ice]

In theory, it makes sense, as it forces you to read at a fast pace. I was able to go up to about 600 WPM without much strain. Of course, I was reading the first text file I found which happened to be a post for Warboards.

The "lolz" and ": )" threw me off.

[hammocksleeper]

Most professional speed reading courses teach a technique similar to what GrassDragon mentioned, where you learn to read only a few words from each line, glossing over the words on the ends, and putting everything into context to figure out what it means without having to read each word.

This program doesn't appear to do that. Not that that takes away from its merit. Although I'd like to see a free program that gradually increases the lines per minute that are shown, rather than words per minute.

[DragonPaladin]

I'd bet you'd read faster if your read a lot. I read a lot. And I mean, a lot. So, I read really fast. The only problem is that I'll find my eyes skipping over half a page sometimes. I really hate when that happens.

[BSTRhino]

I've done one speed reading course, and I'm practicing a second method right now. None of them involve skipping words. The first one trains you to see four or five words in a single eye movement, and that tripled my reading speed. So, for the phrase "Cleaning out my closet" you'd look at that and read the entire phrase in one look instead of fixating on each of the four words.

Now I'm learning a second method which involves speedily moving your eye over a page and learning to read something just by seeing it instead of hearing it. You can read six lines at a time this way, and your brain puts everything together apparently. They say that all it takes to learn this is to practice, there's no special trick, so I'm still practicing. I haven't had huge epiphanies yet though.

[hammocksleeper]

I've done one speed reading course, and I'm practicing a second method right now. None of them involve skipping words. The first one trains you to see four or five words in a single eye movement, and that tripled my reading speed. So, for the phrase "Cleaning out my closet" you'd look at that and read the entire phrase in one look instead of fixating on each of the four words.

Now I'm learning a second method which involves speedily moving your eye over a page and learning to read something just by seeing it instead of hearing it. You can read six lines at a time this way, and your brain puts everything together apparently. They say that all it takes to learn this is to practice, there's no special trick, so I'm still practicing. I haven't had huge epiphanies yet though.

Yeah the first one is what I'm talking about. I don't explain it very wel.. The second method sounds pretty interesting though. By "hearing" you mean saying the words in your head I assume.

[Neo]

Ive always been able to read fast, if I actually take the time to slow down and read each word, so to say, I tend to remember it. Photographic memory sorta-like.

Now if only I can get to typing as fast as I think. Hehe.

Speed Reading is fun, though I go through different ways of reading, if I really like the book I take the time to enjoy it, if I am in a part of the book I want to hurry up and go through I will skim/speed until I get to the resolving part... or something o.o;;

-Neo

[GrassDragon]

I've done one speed reading course, and I'm practicing a second method right now. None of them involve skipping words. The first one trains you to see four or five words in a single eye movement, and that tripled my reading speed. So, for the phrase "Cleaning out my closet" you'd look at that and read the entire phrase in one look instead of fixating on each of the four words.

Now I'm learning a second method which involves speedily moving your eye over a page and learning to read something just by seeing it instead of hearing it. You can read six lines at a time this way, and your brain puts everything together apparently. They say that all it takes to learn this is to practice, there's no special trick, so I'm still practicing. I haven't had huge epiphanies yet though.
Yeah, I was talking about the first one, but I've also heard of the second one. I always "say" everything I read aloud in my head, and I know that slows me down. Where did you find these methods? Was it a program, or just a guide that you practiced on your own?

[BSTRhino]

Well, I was always interested in ways to save my time, so I've looked around places. I did the actual course for method one in three two hour sessions. The second method is the simple bottom line that I've drawn from reading many speed reading books.

[Schwitzer]

Haha, with that "biaural sound" droning on and the flashing words, it really did feel like it was trying to hipnotise me.

I didn't see any text files come with the original program either, though...

[Black.Ice]

My speakers were off and I didn't even notice the sound. I just hear a constant annoying pitch... What's that for, anyways?

[Graeme]

Hmm, I've actually been interested in speed reading for a while. I'll have a go at this :). Thanks for the link.

[Markpyro]

This was just a simple free program, im sure there are better ones out there, like "EyeQ" and a couple others that cost around $15. If anyone finds a free program that is better, post the link. Like Rhino, Im always trying to save time.

Ive found these links:
Rocket Reader (http://www.rocketreader.com/works/works.html) - 14 day Free Trial
Winblit (http://www.winblit.com/) - Winblit Free 30 day trial
Back Words (http://www.freewareseek.com/home/1510/)- Free. A sequel tool that costs money, adds to skills.
Best Reader (http://www.readerssoft.com/download.php)- Not sure.

[Schwitzer]

I tend to find ways to save time for the sole purpose of having more time to waste :)

But yeah... I've wanted to be able to speed-read for a while now. I want to read books faster... then again, I also like reading at a nice pace so my imagination can visualise what's happening.

[Vhaeraun]

When I start a book it takes me a while to get started. However, if I like the plot and such, I can easily read 10 pages every few minutes, making my reading speed pretty high.