Most of us typically read about 200 to 400 words per minute (wpm) when we are reading for comprehension - that is, when we want to learn and retain knowledge from what we are reading - and this speeds up to about 400 - 700 wpm when we are skimming or scanning. These techniques are things that we all naturally use in the course of reading; skimming and scanning consist of moving your eyes down a page, but not reading every word. You get the general idea of what a passage is saying.

Speed reading means reading at a rate that is significantly faster than that of normal skimming and scanning. With speed reading techniques, most people are able to read 1000 wpm or more. some of the fastest speed readers can read up to ten times that rate, with good comprehension. Obviously, speed reading is useful in many ways. So many of us - students and professionals - are inundated with a great volume of reading material every day. If we can get through this material at a significantly higher speed (and without sacrificing comprehension), the benefits are great. We are able to acheive more and learn more with less effort than we ever thought possible.

The best speed readers are capable of reading at speeds you might find amazing. For example, some can finish a novel or reference book at the bookstore or newsstand, and remember what's in it afterward - imagine the money you'd save, as well as time! Reaching these speeds is not out of the question for you, if you find speed reading techniques that work for you. But if you increase your reading speed even by half (which is easily achievable) the benefits will be great, particularly if you have to do a lot of reading for school or work.

Speed reading techniques vary greatly; in fact, they are based on different principles. Many of the techniques are really accelerated versions of skimming. You are taught to read only part of each word or phrase, which is all you really need much of the time - your mind will automaticaly fill in the rest. Sometimes this is achieved by using peripheral vision. Other speed reading techniques, which boast much faster speeds and greater comprehension, work on a different principle. For example, one method (sometimes known as photo reading) engages the sub-conscious or para-conscious mind to mentally 'photograph' whole passages, enabling you to 'read' them without actually reading individual words or phrases at all. Though this claim sounds incredible, many testimonies indicate that it's true.