How to Improve Your Reading Speed: 10 Proven Tips

Want to read faster without sacrificing comprehension? Whether you're a student trying to get through textbooks, a professional keeping up with industry news, or a book lover who wants to read more, improving your reading speed is a valuable skill.

The average person reads at 200-250 words per minute (WPM), but with the right techniques and practice, you can easily double or triple that speed. If you’re curious how your current speed compares to others, check our guide on average reading speed by age before you start training.

Here are 10 proven tips to help you read faster and more efficiently without losing comprehension.

How to Improve Your Reading Speed

To improve your reading speed: 1) Eliminate subvocalization by reading faster than you can "say" words, 2) Use RSVP technology to eliminate eye movement, 3) Expand your peripheral vision to read multiple words at once, 4) Practice regularly with speed reading tests, 5) Reduce regression by using a pointer, 6) Improve vocabulary to reduce stopping, 7) Read in chunks rather than word-by-word, 8) Set specific speed goals and track progress, 9) Practice with comprehension quizzes to maintain understanding, 10) Take breaks to avoid fatigue. Test your current reading speed to set a baseline before starting.

1. Eliminate Subvocalization

Subvocalization is the habit of silently pronouncing words in your head as you read. This is the single biggest barrier to reading faster because it limits your speed to your speaking rate (typically 150-250 WPM).

2. Use RSVP Technology

Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) displays words one at a time in a fixed location, eliminating eye movement entirely. This technique can help you read 2-3 times faster than traditional methods.

RSVP apps like SpeedTextLab present words sequentially, allowing you to focus purely on comprehension without the physical limitations of eye movement. Start at a comfortable speed (200-300 WPM) and gradually increase as you improve. Try our free RSVP test to see how RSVP technology can improve your reading speed.

3. Expand Your Peripheral Vision

Instead of reading word-by-word, train yourself to read in chunks or phrases. Your peripheral vision can capture multiple words at once, allowing you to process information more quickly.

Practice by focusing on the center of a line and trying to see 3-4 words on either side without moving your eyes. This takes practice but significantly increases reading speed.

4. Reduce Regression

Regression is the habit of going back to re-read words or sentences you've already read. While sometimes necessary for complex material, excessive regression slows you down significantly.

To reduce regression:

• Use a pointer or your finger to guide your eyes forward
• Trust your comprehension. You understand more than you think
• Only go back if you truly didn't understand something important
• Practice with easier material first to build confidence

5. Preview Before Reading

Before diving into a text, spend 30-60 seconds previewing it:

• Read the title and headings
• Scan the first and last paragraphs
• Look at any images, charts, or diagrams
• Read the conclusion or summary if available

This gives your brain a framework to organize information, making it easier to process the full text quickly.

6. Practice with a Timer

Set specific reading goals and time yourself. For example:

• Read for 15 minutes and track how many pages you cover
• Set a goal to read a chapter in a certain time
• Use speed reading apps that track your WPM

Regular timed practice helps you push your limits and measure improvement. Just remember: speed without comprehension is useless, so always test your understanding.

7. Improve Your Vocabulary

The more words you know, the faster you can read. When you encounter unfamiliar words, you have to pause to figure them out, which breaks your reading flow.

Build your vocabulary by:

• Reading widely across different topics
• Looking up words you don't know
• Using vocabulary-building apps
• Reading material slightly above your current level

8. Minimize Distractions

Your reading environment significantly impacts your speed. Distractions force your brain to constantly refocus, slowing you down.

Create an optimal reading environment:

• Find a quiet space or use noise-canceling headphones
• Turn off notifications on your devices
• Use good lighting to reduce eye strain
• Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to maintain focus

9. Use Your Finger or a Pointer

This simple technique, called meta-guiding, helps in several ways:

• Guides your eyes forward, reducing regression
• Helps maintain a steady reading pace
• Keeps your focus on the text
• Can help you read in larger chunks

Move your finger or pointer smoothly under the line of text, slightly faster than your comfortable reading speed. This trains your eyes to keep up.

10. Practice Regularly and Gradually Increase Speed

Like any skill, reading faster requires consistent practice. Don't try to jump from 250 WPM to 800 WPM overnight.

Instead:

• Practice 15-20 minutes daily
• Start at your current comfortable speed
• Increase by 50-100 WPM increments
• Only increase speed when you can maintain 80%+ comprehension
• Mix easy and challenging material

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While working on improving your reading speed, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Sacrificing comprehension for speed: Speed is useless if you don't understand what you read. Always prioritize comprehension.
• Reading everything at the same speed: Adjust your speed based on material. Technical or complex texts require slower reading.
• Giving up too quickly: Speed reading takes weeks or months of practice. Be patient and consistent.
• Ignoring comprehension tests: Always test your understanding after speed reading practice.

Measuring Your Progress

To track your improvement:

1. Take a baseline reading speed test
2. Practice daily for 2-4 weeks
3. Retest your speed and comprehension
4. Adjust your practice based on results

Remember, the goal isn't just to read fast. It's to read fast and understand what you're reading. A 20% increase in speed with maintained comprehension is more valuable than a 100% increase with poor comprehension.

Conclusion

Improving your reading speed is a journey, not a destination. By implementing these 10 tips consistently, you can significantly increase your reading speed while maintaining or even improving your comprehension.

The most important factors are regular practice, gradual progression, and always prioritizing understanding over raw speed. Start with one or two techniques that feel most natural to you, and build from there.

Whether you're reading for work, school, or pleasure, faster reading means more knowledge, better productivity, and more time for the things you love. The investment in improving this skill pays dividends throughout your life.