Reading: I Prefer the Slow Lane
Earlier this week I tried out RapidReader, a speed reading program someone mentioned in a podcast. RapidReader helps you read at high speeds by displaying words one by one at the centre of your computer screen. You drag a PDF or other document into RapidReader, and away you go.
Apparently reading the conventional way limits us because our eyes have to move across each line of text and we sound out the words in our head. The brain is capable of comprehending words solely by recognizing their shapes, so presenting the words differently allows us to read at higher speeds.
I'm not interested in speed reading, but curiosity got the better of me. I downloaded the trial and ran through the tutorial, and yes, I could read much faster. But it was a soulless experience. For me, reading is a leisure activity, even when I'm reading non-fiction for research purposes. I associate it with relaxation, a nice cup of tea, a cat on my lap or snuggled at my side, and the feeling that, just for a while, all is right with the world.
As I sat in front of my computer having words flashed at me at high speeds, I couldn't help but think about brainwashing. I also felt like a robot. Something was definitely missing for me. I prefer the conventional, slow, "limiting" way of reading. Sure, RapidReader might help me read a 50-page document in 10 minutes, but what's the rush? And I wouldn't dream of speed reading fiction. I'd go so far as to say that anyone who does is missing the point.
The RapidReader trial is free, so if you're curious, give it a go. You might enjoy the experience more than I did.
