10 Days to Faster Reading Summary

Reading is not about finishing every word; it’s about understanding and retaining what matters most.

1. Reading Less Can Help You Learn More

Many people believe they need to read every single word in a book to understand it. This mindset often leads to frustration and wasted time. Instead, the book suggests focusing on the most important parts of the material. By prioritizing and skimming, you can absorb the key ideas without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

This approach is especially useful for nonfiction, where not all content is equally valuable. For example, introductory paragraphs, subheadings, and summaries often contain the main points. By previewing these sections, you can decide which parts of the text deserve your full attention. This method not only saves time but also helps you stay focused on your purpose for reading.

Additionally, the pressure to remember everything you read is counterproductive. Instead of trying to memorize, create a system to store and retrieve information. Highlight key points, take notes, or use digital tools to organize your thoughts. This way, you can revisit the material when needed without relying solely on memory.

Examples

• Skim the first and last paragraphs of a chapter to identify its main ideas.
• Use sticky notes or digital apps to mark sections you want to revisit.
• Focus on bolded text, subheadings, and summaries to quickly grasp the content.

2. Bad Habits Slow You Down

Many of us develop poor reading habits over time, such as daydreaming, rereading, or subvocalizing (mentally pronouncing each word). These habits slow us down and reduce comprehension. The book explains how to replace these habits with more effective strategies.

For instance, passive daydreaming can be turned into active mind wandering. Instead of letting your thoughts drift aimlessly, connect what you’re reading to your own experiences. This creates mental "hooks" that make the material easier to remember. Similarly, rereading can be minimized by using tools like a business card to cover the text you’ve already read.

Subvocalizing is another common issue. While it’s natural to "hear" the words in your head, it limits your reading speed to the pace of speech. To overcome this, focus on keywords and skip filler words. You can also hum or chew gum to distract your brain from subvocalizing.

Examples

• While reading about a historical event, think about how it relates to current events or your own life.
• Use a business card to block out text you’ve already read and keep your eyes moving forward.
• Practice reading only the bold or meaningful words in a sentence to speed up comprehension.

3. Purpose-Driven Reading Saves Time

Before diving into any material, ask yourself why you’re reading it. Having a clear purpose helps you decide what to focus on and what to skip. This approach ensures that your reading aligns with your goals, whether it’s preparing for a meeting, staying informed, or learning a new skill.

For example, if you’re reading a business report, you might only need the executive summary and key data points. Skipping less relevant sections saves time and keeps you focused. Similarly, if you’re reading for leisure, you can prioritize the parts that interest you most and skim the rest.

Previewing the material is another way to read with purpose. By scanning the introduction, subheadings, and first sentences of paragraphs, you can get a sense of the content and decide where to focus your attention. This method not only speeds up your reading but also improves comprehension.

Examples

• Skim a news article’s headline and first paragraph to decide if it’s worth reading in full.
• Read the table of contents and chapter summaries of a book to identify the most relevant sections.
• Use your reading purpose to filter out unnecessary material, like outdated reports or irrelevant chapters.

4. Previewing Unlocks 40% of the Content

One of the most effective ways to read faster is to preview the material before diving in. This technique involves scanning the text to identify its structure and main ideas. According to the book, previewing can help you absorb up to 40% of the content without reading every word.

Start by reading the introduction and subheadings to get an overview of the topic. Then, skim the first sentence of each paragraph to understand the flow of ideas. This approach gives you a roadmap of the material, making it easier to focus on the most important parts.

Previewing also reduces the need for rereading. When you have a clear understanding of the text’s structure, you’re less likely to get lost or confused. This not only saves time but also improves your overall comprehension.

Examples

• Before reading a research paper, scan the abstract, headings, and conclusion to understand its main points.
• Use the first sentence of each paragraph to quickly grasp the content of a chapter.
• Preview a magazine article by reading the title, subheadings, and photo captions.

5. Focus on Keywords, Not Every Word

Most sentences contain filler words that don’t add much meaning. By focusing on keywords, you can speed up your reading without losing comprehension. Keywords are usually longer words that carry the main ideas of a sentence.

For example, in the sentence "The task is defined by a series of steps and elements," the keywords are "task," "defined," "steps," and "elements." Skipping the smaller words allows you to understand the sentence faster. This technique trains your brain to extract meaning more efficiently.

Another way to improve your reading flow is to group words into phrases or "thought groups." Instead of stopping at each word, let your eyes move smoothly across the text. This not only speeds up your reading but also helps you understand the material as a whole.

Examples

• Practice reading only the bolded words in a sentence to identify its main idea.
• Use your peripheral vision to capture multiple words at once instead of focusing on each word individually.
• Train your eyes to move smoothly by reading phrases instead of single words.

6. Peripheral Vision Boosts Speed

Your peripheral vision can be a powerful tool for reading faster. By training your eyes to see more of the text at once, you can reduce the number of stops and starts as you read. This technique involves focusing on the middle of a line and using your peripheral vision to capture the words on either side.

For instance, instead of starting at the very beginning of a line, place your eyes about half an inch inside the left margin. Similarly, stop reading about half an inch before the right margin. This reduces the number of eye movements and increases your reading speed.

To practice this technique, draw vertical lines inside the margins of a page and use them as guides. Over time, your eyes will naturally adjust to this new way of reading, making it easier to process text quickly.

Examples

• Use a ruler or draw lines on a page to train your eyes to focus inside the margins.
• Practice reading narrow columns, like those in newspapers, to improve your peripheral vision.
• Glance at a license plate or sign and try to read it quickly using your peripheral vision.

7. Use Your Finger as a Guide

Guiding your eyes with a finger or pen can help you read faster and stay focused. This technique mimics the way children learn to read, but it’s just as effective for adults. By moving your finger steadily across the text, you encourage your eyes to follow along at a faster pace.

This method is especially useful for narrow columns, like those in newspapers. Place your finger in the center of the column and move it down as you read. For wider text, you can use a "snake" motion to guide your eyes across each line.

Covering the text you’ve already read is another way to prevent regression. Use your hand or a business card to block out previous lines, forcing your eyes to move forward. These simple tools can make a big difference in your reading speed.

Examples

• Use your finger to guide your eyes while reading a newspaper or magazine.
• Cover the text you’ve already read with a business card to avoid rereading.
• Practice moving your finger in a steady motion to train your eyes to follow along.

8. Reading at Work Is Productive

Many people avoid reading during work hours because they fear it looks unproductive. However, the book argues that reading is an essential part of staying informed and generating new ideas. Whether it’s industry reports, market trends, or professional development materials, reading can directly benefit your work.

For example, staying up to date on market trends can help you identify new opportunities or anticipate challenges. Reading about best practices in your field can also inspire innovative solutions to problems. By making reading a regular part of your work routine, you can stay ahead of the curve.

To make the most of your reading time, focus on materials that align with your professional goals. Skim less relevant content and prioritize the information that will have the biggest impact on your work.

Examples

• Read industry blogs or newsletters to stay informed about the latest trends.
• Use your lunch break to skim professional development books or articles.
• Share interesting articles with colleagues to spark discussions and new ideas.

9. Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, speed reading requires practice. The more you use these techniques, the more natural they will feel. Start with short, simple texts and gradually work your way up to more complex material. Over time, you’ll develop the ability to read faster and retain more information.

It’s normal to feel frustrated or awkward when trying new techniques. For example, using your peripheral vision or skipping filler words might feel unnatural at first. However, with consistent practice, these methods will become second nature.

Set aside time each day to practice speed reading. Use a variety of materials, such as newspapers, books, and online articles, to keep things interesting. The key is to stay patient and persistent as you build your skills.

Examples

• Dedicate 10 minutes a day to practicing speed reading techniques.
• Start with easy material, like children’s books or simple articles, before moving on to more challenging texts.
• Track your progress by timing how long it takes to read a page or chapter.

Takeaways

1. Preview your reading material to identify the most important sections before diving in.
2. Use tools like a finger, pen, or business card to guide your eyes and prevent rereading.
3. Practice speed reading techniques daily to build your skills and confidence over time.