Reading Help

I notice that a lot of people seem to know a lot about philosophy and history. I happen to own a set of The Great Books of The Western World, but I am a slow reader. I would like to know if any of you have any tips so I can get more books read efficiently. Or you could suggest an effective speed reading course. I've been looking into that sort of thing and I can't find any objective reviews or assesments of all the programs.

I appreciate your help. I'm sure other slow readers will appreciate this too.

I don't know the science behind any of it but this is something I do. If I'm reading too slow I'll remember to just read the whole word instead of sounding the word out in my head... Instead of reading C-A-T read CAT as a symbol rather than a word containing letters.

Your mind knows all the words already and what they mean and look like you just have to stop your mind from sounding out the letters.

Also get some glasses for reading if your eyes are weak.

I would suggest that you read as much and often as you can. Only then will you be a speed reader. Keep in mind that taking a break for a month or two will send you back to square one. And you don't want that, do you?

It might help to use your finger or a pencil to follow what you're reading.
I know this is generally perceived to be "something for the kiddies and retards", but I find that it helps me to remain focused when reading a difficult text.

I guess you people think that his eyesight is weak

Btw,reading must go on IMO with complete concentration as well as a bit fast if possible 'cause sometimes it may become impossible to read some big books if you are slow at it.And tips...well,read loudly
And this really helps.I knew a guy who was not efficient in reading at a fast pace 'cause he didn't understand most of the stuff inside book.But when he began to read loudly his problem perhaps virtually ended....I hope so
And now he's alive again....P1

The trick to reading fast is to get rid of the imagined voice in your head that reads the word aloud and to concentrate on recognizing the actual symbol(as mentioned above) rather than the letters.

Originally Posted by Ticu

The trick to reading fast is to get rid of the imagined voice in your head that reads the word aloud and to concentrate on recognizing the actual symbol(as mentioned above) rather than the letters.

Wow that made so much sense! Thanks bro, I'll work on it .
If that doesn't work I'll try reading out loud.

The trick is to learn to read via phonics. Otherwise, you read words only due to rote memorization, and that's not helping anybody.

Ok here's my real opinion regarding the situation.I hope this one really works.
Try these:
1. Always have a book around. Don’t go anywhere without reading material. Keep magazines or short stories in your bathroom. Always have something in your briefcase to read. Keep a book(s) by your bed. Having things available makes it easier for you to steal otherwise lost moments.


2. Set a reading goal. Determine how much time you want to spend reading, or how many books you want to read over time. Your goal might be a book a month, one per week, or it might be to read 30 minutes a day. Start out with something attainable but still a stretch. As your habit builds, you might set higher goals. Setting a goal is the first step towards reading more.


3. Keep a log. Keep a list of the books you have read, or keep track of how much time you read each day. You might keep these lists in your journal or your day planner. My son’s log is on our refrigerator. My list and log are kept on my computer. It doesn’t matter where you keep it, just do it.


4. Keep a list. Make a list of things you want to read in the future. Ask your friends and colleagues what they are reading. Watch for recommendations in the newspaper and magazines. Once you start looking for good books, you’ll find them everywhere. This is a great way to keep your enthusiasm up. By knowing what great stuff you want to read, you will reinforce your reading habit.


5. Turn off the television. Many people say they just don’t have enough time. Television is one of our major time consumers. Make your television watching more conscious and less habitual. There is nothing wrong with watching television shows you really enjoy. Where the time gets lost is turning it on, and scanning to find “something to watch.” Those are the times to turn it off and pick up your book!


6. Listen when you can’t read. Use your commute and other time spent in the car to listen! There are great audio versions of all sorts of books. Whether you want to “read” fiction, the latest self-help or diet book, it is probably available on tape. Don’t get locked into the idea that you have to read it – listening to the book still gives you the experience, ideas, and imagination that reading a book can.


7. Join a reading group or book club. Reading groups typically meet once a month to discuss a book they have all decided to read. Committing to the group provides a bit more impetus to finish the book, and gives you a great forum for discussion and socialization around the book’s themes.


8. Visit the library or bookstore often. You have your list, right? So you’ll have some ideas of what you are looking for when you walk in. But there is more to be gained by walking through places where books reside than just to make a transaction. Take time to browse! Let your eyes find things of interest. Let serendipity happen. Browsing will feed your mental need to read, and give you plenty of new things to read.


9. Build your own strategy. Decide when reading fits your schedule. Some people read first thing in the morning, some before bed. Some decide to read as they eat their lunch. And there is more to your strategy than just timing. Make your own decisions about reading. It is ok to be reading more than one book at once. It is ok to stop reading something before you finish if it isn’t holding your interest. It is ok to skim the book, getting what you want or need, without reading every page. Determine what works best for you, develop your own beliefs and ideas—then make them work for you.


10. Drop Everything and Read. That is my last piece of advice for you. Do it. Just get started. Make it DEAR time. Now.

Best of luck

Btw,@all who have made their text bold:
Why?

I hope these tips are helpful for somebody here

(Moved to The Arts)