Chapter 1: My Journey from Struggling Reader to Speed Reader

Confession time: I was once a slow starter, a late bloomer, and struggled with reading. My early school teachers might be either rolling in their graves or cheering for my progress; I can't quite tell. Throughout elementary school, high school, and even college, I had a strong aversion to reading. I managed to get through college, but my reading pace was so slow that I often left assignments unfinished. It was incredibly challenging for me.

I frequently found myself in need of “extra assistance” with my reading skills. I wrestled with any task related to reading, and despite my efforts, which were often insufficient, I continued to struggle. The additional help I received during my formative years did little to enhance my abilities, leading me to avoid reading whenever possible.

As I matured, I began to sense that I was missing out on something significant—an experience that many others seemed to enjoy. You might even call it FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) regarding the books everyone else was devouring. So, in my early twenties, I made a conscious decision to read.

My brother had a collection of classic literature, including works by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Herman Melville. He also owned a diverse array of science fiction novels by authors like Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, Orson Scott Card, and Ray Bradbury.

Initially, I forced myself to read these books. Gradually, it became a bit more enjoyable, yet I still read at a leisurely pace. I labored through every page, and to be honest, I continue to do so.

I explored speed reading courses, which might work for some, but for me, they were futile. I learned to skim and flip through pages without truly comprehending the material.

Later in life, I returned to academia, enrolling in seminary to pursue a Master of Divinity. My coursework was largely centered on reading and writing, with assignments that were dauntingly lengthy. I feared I would fail.

Thinking was never the issue; I believe everyone can think reasonably well. Speaking was also a strength, as I had a solid spoken vocabulary. However, reading and writing had always been my Achilles' heel.

Everything changed when a visiting professor in Christian history offered invaluable advice. We were all lamenting about the heavy reading assignments.

She asked, “Are you genuinely reading every single word?”

What?!?

She continued, “You poor souls, hasn’t anyone taught you the proper way to read?”

Then, she introduced us to a reading strategy that transformed my approach to literature.

1. Begin by reading the preface and introduction. Pay attention to what the author aims to convey, as these will be key points to focus on throughout your reading. If any section diverges from these essentials, feel free to skip it.
2. Review the table of contents. This will give you insight into how the author has structured their ideas. If you already grasp the author's logic or explanations, move on.
3. When delving into the content, read the first and last paragraphs of each chapter or section. If the concept is familiar or clear, proceed. If you encounter confusion, revisit the material until you grasp it. If it clicks, move forward.
4. Focus on the first and last sentences of each paragraph. If you comprehend the main idea after reading just the first sentence, don’t hesitate to proceed.

I understand that advice for Medium writers often suggests eliminating unnecessary content. You can apply this principle in your reading as well. If you determine that certain sections are superfluous, skim or skip them.

5. Know when to slow down. If a piece captivates you or you find it entertaining, take your time. If it proves difficult and you deem it essential to understand, reread it. Sometimes, revisiting critical sections can provide clarity and help you bypass less important material.

Reading remains a challenge for me, and I often need to remind myself of these techniques. At times, I find myself bored or drifting off while reading, bogged down by irrelevant details.

I've applied these strategies in both academic and leisurely reading. I don’t require exhaustive descriptions of settings, weather, or character appearances. While statistics may be crucial, I don’t need exhaustive reports; I can appreciate their inclusion without needing to read everything in detail.

Give these methods a try.

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The first video, "How to READ Faster and RETAIN More," provides practical tips on enhancing reading speed and retention, helping viewers grasp essential concepts efficiently.

The second video, "Reading Skills: Read Faster and Remember More," delves into techniques for improving reading skills, making it easier to comprehend and remember what you read.