Speed Reading - Statistics and Facts

Statistics and Facts on Speed Reading Speed reading is a popular skill that promises to increase reading speed and comprehension. The average adult reading speed is 239 words per minute (wpm), but some speed reading programs claim to reach rates over 700 wpm or even higher. This article will present the statistics and facts on speed reading, including the various techniques, benefits, and drawbacks. Reading Speed Levels To improve reading speed, readers must overcome subvocalization, a process that limits reading speed to around 400 wpm. A motor reader, who is the average reader reading around 250 wpm, engages their lips or tongue while reading, slowing down the reading rate. An auditory reader can reach speeds of 400-450 wpm by suppressing subvocalization, while a visual reader, who has completely overcome subvocalization, can read at over 500 wpm or even over 1,000 wpm. Speed Reading Records While the majority of the population reads at a normal rate of 200-350 wpm, some indivi...