How Mind Mapping Can Drastically Increase Your Reading Speed

There are two ways to go about speed reading. The first way is to organise and prepare well enough so that you identify beforehand which parts you DON'T need, and then not read those parts. The second way is to learn to actually read quickly. This little guide covers the first way.

Step 1. Preliminary scanning

First of all, flick through the book just so you know what you're dealing with, how long it it, how small the text is, how many images there are, etc. If it's a pdf you're reading, just hold the down key.

Step 2. Recall tests

Spend a couple of minutes writing a list (keywords only - no sentences) of things that you ALREADY know. The aim is just to get into the right gear and to bring relevant existing knowledge into the front of your memory.

Step 3. Create goals

You should never start reading without knowing exactly what you want from the book -- unless you're reading a novel, of course. Write down the questions you want answered.

Next, write the name of the book in the middle of a blank sheet of paper and circle it. Then make a few starting branches of the mind map coming out, as few as you can possibly use to represent the questions you have identified. This will focus your note taking specifically onto what you want to learn, and help to stop you from going off on tangents.

Step 4 - Graphs

Skim through and check all graphs and diagrams. Add any relevant notes to the map.

Step 5 - First read through

Use the chapter list to rule out any areas you definitely DON'T need.

Of the ones you do need -- or think you will need -- skim them, reading the first and last sentence of every paragraph. Mark sections that look relevant with a vertical line. Aim for speed here, don't read, just skim, selecting and rejecting. Don't take notes yet.

Step 6 - Second read through

Go back to the beginning, and go through, ignoring everything except that which you have marked. If you have done this correctly, you should have spend 1-2 hrs, perhaps less after practice up to now, and you can start reading with more depth and taking notes.

Step 7 - Third read through

Go back to the other sheet of paper with your original list. Have you answered your questions? Are there any parts you didn't understand? If you can fill your knowledge gaps using the book, go through again, looking only at the relevant sections.

Doing this should save many hours reading sections that, although interesting, are a waste of your time because they are not relevant to the task at hand. Putting your questions into the mind map BEFORE you start reading helps to keep your notes relevant too.

Good luck!