Speed Reading is becoming more and more popular and some businesses are making a lot of money teaching others how to speed read. There are many books, computer programs and courses available at pretty hefty prices to teach you to speed read. I suggest that instead of pulling out your wallet, you can teach yourself for free using these pointers.

There may be some resistance to learning to read this way to start off. I mean really, you have been reading the slow way for years. This is not going to happen without some practice, so take your time and enjoy the process.

1: Time yourself and see how fast you read now. This is the first thing you must do, so you can see if you improve or not over the next few weeks. There are many websites which will time your reading for you. Just do a google search

2: When you first start use a book with large text. Most libraries have large-text books that you can borrow, If not you can buy a e book reader. Get one that has at least 6 different font sizes so that you dont strain your eyes.

3: Make sure you only read the words once. Some people go backwards and forwards reading the words over and over again. If you do this you need to stop this habit fast and your reading times will immediately improve.

4: Use a card. Our eyes tend to dart about when we are reading. This can become a real distraction and a pain when trying to learn to speed read. The best way around this is to use a plain card that is the width of the page and block out the other words below what you are reading.

5: Learn how to only read the important stuff. As children we were taught to read every single word on a page. Part of learning to speed read is to learn not to read all the words. We only need to read the important ones, so when you read leave out the little words.

6: Teach yourself to read blocks of words. Once again we were taught to read every word but now we need to learn to read blocks of words together, to get the meaning and speed up our reading. Some people find it easiest to actually read downwards on the page. Thats something you can try.

7: Read for at least 30 minutes each day, and read fast but with understanding.

8: Practice, time and challenge yourself. Keep practicing, keep timing yourself and see how much you can improve. Most of all dont forget to challenge yourself to help keep up your motivation. And most of all remember it takes at least 21 days to learn a new habit.