Learn To Speed Read: A Technique For Improving Memory

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You can speed read faster. Learn how to increase reading speed.

Discover Photo Reading a tool that will get you reading faster and recalling with greater accuracy and comprehension what you have read.

Discovering New Speed Reading Techniques

There is no doubt that modern society is firmly ensconced in an information age. In fact, most people are deluged on a daily basis with an overwhelming amount of data and input. You have probably become used to having your brain soak up much more than your grandparents ever could conceive possible. However, you still read the same way they did: slowly and one page at a time. This really doesn’t make sense anymore. Since about the 1940s, programs have been available that teach people how to speed read. What exactly is this and is there something even better today?

Understanding Speed Reading

Speed reading works much like standard reading, in that the task is directly associated with the logical left brain. The reader usually quickly scans the page, letting the eyes follow each line of text. In simple terms, speed reading is nothing more than its name denotes: you are still reading, but at a quicker pace. You are entirely conscious of the information you are reading from the moment you begin the process.

Does Having The Ability To Speed Read Make You More Effective?

When people want to learn how to increase their reading speed they more often than not think that being able to read faster is the answer. However, the entire process of speed reading is extremely intense. In effect, you mentally pressure your brain to do more than it is generally prepared for. Speed reading is a conscious process, so mental blocks tend to really interfere with retention and comprehension. Most people who attempt to increase their reading abilities with this process quickly become burnt out.

Is There a Better Way to Increase Reading Speed And Comprehension?

Nobody can doubt that there is a distinct need to process information quicker, especially when it is delivered in a written form. Luckily, speed reading isn’t the only possible answer. Beginning in the 1970s and 80s, researchers began to place a heavy focus on tapping into the creative right brain, effectively creating ways to learn with your subconscious mind -- this new technique is known as photo reading.-- which has many unique advantages over the old style of reading.

How Photo Reading Works

Photo reading is a right brain function. It is concerned with forming images in the brain, and that task is specific to the right brain only. Because the human mind understands images better, using the photo reading technique means that the reader has deeper understanding of what they have read and most importantly retain it longer. The key difference between the two techniques is that speed reading teaches you how to use your eyes more efficiently, while photo reading teaches you how to use your brain more efficiently.

This takes a good deal of the pressure and stress off the person. Indeed, one of the first photo reading techniques you will learn is how to relax your body and mind. When you are in a calm state, your right brain can properly file the mental pictures you are capturing - which leads to great retention and comprehension.

Photo readers do not scan any specific word, phrase or sentence, as is the case with someone who uses traditional reading styles (speed or regular). Instead, a complete mental picture is taken of the entire page, allowing the reader to blast through as many as 25,000 words per minute. Within a short period of time - say half an hour of following the photo reading techniques of scanning and the activation process - a person will have the capability to photo read an entire book and recall much of what is in it. Seems amazing, but there is documented evidence of many people having done exactly this! I highly recommend the Photo Reading program by Learning Strategies and you can find out more about these studies over at their site.

Benefits of Photo Reading

The most obvious benefit is that photo reading helps to save time. In today's society, where everything seems to happen at lightning speed, being able to read quickly offers a premium. Those who can do things faster can cope better, and function better.

Another benefit of photo reading is that it gives a deeper understanding. Readers who adopt this technique find that they tend to acquire new perspectives and look at texts in a different light and more readily pull concepts and ideas together.

Of course, training the right brain always enhances creativity and intuition. You find it easier to make decisions on a daily basis.

And finally, there are also studies that show that the retention rates are much higher than with regular reading.

Who Photo Reading Is For

Photo reading engages the brain. So you can say that it is essentially a form of brain exercise. So from a memory improvement stance, photo reading is for everyone.

The young may improve memory and comprehension for the purpose of performing better in school. Mature adults can enhance memory and creativity for higher productivity at work. The old can engage in photo memory to combat brain diseases such as Alzheimer. In short, photo reading is for everyone.

Instead of struggling with the more common left-brain approach that you are traditionally taught, you might want to tap into your creative right brain and give photo reading a try. You'll be delighted at your improved memory and recall of the things you read.