Speed reading is comprehending

The purpose of reading is to comprehend — to learn something

new, see the world from a different perspective, or maybe just get

information to pass an exam or prepare for a business meeting.

How well you comprehend what you read is determined by these

factors:

 ✓ Reading speed: When you don’t read at the right speed, your

comprehension is diminished. One of the skills you acquire as a

speed reader is knowing when to slow down and when to speed

up. The fastest speed readers adjust the speed at which they

read, just as the fastest stock car racers slow down when they’re

in a crowded field or on a slick patch of roadway. They adjust

their speed according to the type of reading they’re doing.

 ✓ Breadth of vocabulary: Having a large vocabulary is a must

for speed readers. You can’t get away from it.

 ✓ Degree of familiarity with the subject matter: How strong a

background you have in the topic you’re reading about deter-

mines how well you comprehend what you read. Obviously,

you have a head start if you’re traveling in territory you’re

familiar with and you know the jargon already.