Diagonal reading: features and recommendations

At present, the issue of increasing the speed of mastering information has become particularly relevant. One way to deal with a huge amount of information is to read diagonally.

Factors Making Reading Fast

There are a number of factors that negatively affect reading speed. A detailed review of each of them will help you understand what mistakes you may have made.

Regression is one of the most common flaws. When reading, the gaze involuntarily bounces to the phrase just read. This happens mechanically and significantly reduces the speed of reading the text.

Lack of concentration means switching to extraneous sounds, objects and thoughts. In this regard, interest is reduced and understanding is difficult, which forces us to return again to the passage we have read. To eliminate this problem, you should engage in the development of the ability to concentrate, as well as eliminate possible distractions.

Articulation or silent speaking also significantly slows down the process. One must learn to perceive the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, without speaking. The brain is able to capture and transform the information received much faster. Inner speaking happens at the same speed as you read aloud. Many have developed this habit in childhood, and it will take some conscious effort to change it.

A limited field of view also interferes . Most people focus on a limited section of the text: from one to several words per line. A quick read implies the perception of a larger field: from a line to a whole paragraph. Eyes make fewer transitions and jumps, which not only speeds up the process, but also reduces the degree of fatigue.

Basic Reading

There are several ways to read:

• In-depth. This thoughtful analytical study of information is used in the study of various disciplines, since in addition to reading, an assessment of the material is carried out with the subsequent formulation of conclusions.
• Panoramic. This method implies an increase in the perception of the page margin due to peripheral vision and the simultaneous assimilation of a larger section of the text.
• Scanning is used when it is necessary to find certain facts without being distracted by descriptions. To do this, you can use any method convenient for you: both reading diagonally and from top to bottom.
• Selective is one of the varieties of fast reading. The reader scans the text, fixing attention to more important points. This method is good for quickly searching for information or repeating previously read material.

Conditions for mastering a new technique

To achieve success in any kind of intellectual activity, whether it is learning a foreign language or reading diagonally, a number of conditions must be observed. These are simple but important rules, the implementation of which will greatly accelerate the achievement of the desired:

1. Organization of the workplace . If possible, all distractions should be eliminated, a secluded place should be found, and good lighting and comfort should be provided.
2. The regularity of classes . Successful mastery of any skill requires persistence. The best option is to devote time to reading daily, one to two hours. However, if this is not possible, try to find at least 15-30 minutes a day. This will be much more effective than a lesson lasting several hours once a week.
3. Gradual buildup of complexity. No matter what exercises you choose, you should gradually increase the level of difficulty. The same goes for training texts. Start with easy to understand. At an early stage in learning, it’s important to rebuild the brain and start applying new reading techniques.

Exercises

What is diagonal reading , how to learn it and what to pay attention to? Understanding the essence of the above methods and eliminating obstacles will significantly increase the likelihood of approaching success. But besides this, it is important to perform certain exercises:

• Schulte table. The essence of one of the exercises that allow you to develop this skill is as follows: fix your eyes on the central number 1 and name all the numbers in the table in order. It is important that the view does not move around the page.

• Read two lines at the same time and try to make sense. Then increase to three or four lines. Over time, this will help develop the “reading diagonally” skill.
• Take time and try to find words for:

water:

colors:

These exercises will help to develop not only speed, but also attentiveness, the ability to concentrate and find the necessary information among other information.

Diagonal reading, the main advantages

One of the significant advantages of such information processing is the speed and ability to cover a large volume in a short time. However, this method is not appropriate if you have to familiarize yourself with complex text that requires thoughtful reading and memorization. This method is best used for magazines or newspapers.

Use books diagonally if you want to get acquainted with the general content and learn the most significant points, while not focusing on less important information.