Reading speed and speed reading

In short: The average reading speed is about 200 to 300 words per minute. Speed-reading techniques promise higher rates but often come at the cost of comprehension.

In more detail: Scientific studies show that text comprehension drops noticeably past a certain speed.

In detail

• Subvocalisation: Inwardly speaking words along limits maximum reading speed significantly.
• Eye movements: Trained readers make fewer, larger jumps of focus across the text.
• Skimming: Quick scanning for a rough overview, not suited for detailed understanding.
• Scanning: Targeted searching for specific information instead of full reading.
• Training effect: Regular reading naturally increases speed.
• Trade-off: Speed and comprehension are often in competition; reading speed should match the purpose.
• Practice: For scientific texts, slower, active reading is often worth it rather than pure speed reading (gedaechtnistechniken-und-mnemotechnik).