Filed under: Windows, Productivity, Freeware
Speed Read : Improve Your Reading and Retention Skills
by Lee Mathews Aug 26th 2008
With the number of laptops I reinstall Windows on every day constantly on the rise, I've been looking for applications that might help boost my pitiful short-term memory - for some reason, my boss frowns upon me playing Brain Age at work.
And since 6AM isn't the best time to be shouting at something in my house (toddler, wife, etc.), I need something a bit more quiet to help me practice. Speed Read may be just the app for the job.
The idea is very simple: display the number of words you choose at a specified interval to improve your ability to recall groups of words and maintain attention to the subject. Speed Read will display text from any text file and comes packaged with 51 sample files.
You can, of course, add your own, which is a good idea. If you're serious about practicing, you may as well be reading something you enjoy. As your skill improves, increase the number of words displayed and turn up the speed to keep the exercise challenging.
It works quite well, and after sticking with it for about a week I definitely notice an improvement already in my ability to read quickly - and remember.
[ via Softpedia ]
And since 6AM isn't the best time to be shouting at something in my house (toddler, wife, etc.), I need something a bit more quiet to help me practice. Speed Read may be just the app for the job.
The idea is very simple: display the number of words you choose at a specified interval to improve your ability to recall groups of words and maintain attention to the subject. Speed Read will display text from any text file and comes packaged with 51 sample files.
You can, of course, add your own, which is a good idea. If you're serious about practicing, you may as well be reading something you enjoy. As your skill improves, increase the number of words displayed and turn up the speed to keep the exercise challenging.
It works quite well, and after sticking with it for about a week I definitely notice an improvement already in my ability to read quickly - and remember.
[ via Softpedia ]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
LeeH said 11:33PM on 8-26-2008
Some years ago, Slate had an interesting article about speed reading http://www.slate.com/id/74766/
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Robert said 1:16PM on 8-28-2008
I have used speed reading applications on my various portables for years, First on an old Palm Xii now an Ipaq, and i can say with at least some authority using this software regularly will improve reading speed and comprehension.
I started using the software again this summer after a long break. At the beginning of this month i started at about 250wpm, and now i can read comfortably at about 450-500wpm.
The portable nature of what i use is its real power tho, i can use it on the train, and when ever i have off time at work. I will try 'speed read' but i can't see my self using a desktop for reading longer books. Perhaps you guys can look at some portable solutions for the popular platforms?
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