How To Stop Subvocalization Speed Up Your Reading
Have you ever noticed that little voice in your head while you're reading? That's subvocalization, and while it's a totally normal part of reading, it can slow you down if you're trying to speed read. But don't worry, guys! In this article, we're going to dive deep into what subvocalization is, why we do it, and how you can stop it to boost your reading speed. So, let's get started!
Understanding Subvocalization
Subvocalization, at its core, is the internal process of pronouncing words as you read them. It's like your brain is reading aloud, but the sound stays inside your head. This happens because, for many of us, reading is closely linked to speaking. When we first learn to read, we often sound out words, which creates a strong connection between the written word and its spoken form. This connection sticks with us, and that's why we tend to subvocalize even when we're reading silently.
The Natural Habit of Subvocalization
It's crucial to understand that subvocalization isn't a bad habit; it's actually a natural part of how many people read. Think about it – when you read, you're not just looking at words; you're actively processing them to understand their meaning. For a lot of readers, that internal narration helps in comprehension. It’s like your brain is double-checking the information, ensuring you grasp the nuances of the text. This process is deeply ingrained, and for good reason. It's the way our brains have adapted to make sense of written language.
The Link Between Reading and Speaking
The connection between reading and speaking goes way back to our early learning experiences. When we were kids learning to read, we often read aloud. This helped us associate the written symbols with their sounds and meanings. Over time, this process becomes internalized, turning into the silent voice we hear when we read. This link is so strong that even as adults, the muscles in our throats might subtly activate when we read, as if we were speaking the words. This physical connection underscores how deeply intertwined reading and speaking are in our brains.
Why Subvocalization Can Slow You Down
Now, while subvocalization aids comprehension for many, it also acts as a bottleneck for reading speed. Think about it this way: you can only read as fast as you can speak, right? The average speaking speed is around 150-250 words per minute (WPM). If you're subvocalizing, your reading speed is essentially capped at this rate. However, our brains can process visual information much faster than we can articulate it. This means that by eliminating subvocalization, you can potentially read at a much higher speed, taking in more information in less time. For those looking to power through books, articles, or documents quickly, this is a game-changer.
Is Subvocalization Always Bad?
Before we jump into how to stop subvocalizing, let’s be clear: it’s not always a negative thing. In fact, for complex or dense material, subvocalization can be beneficial. When you're tackling a difficult text, that internal narration can help you break down complex sentences and understand intricate arguments. It’s like having a built-in study buddy in your head. So, if you're reading something that requires deep focus and analysis, don't feel like you need to eliminate subvocalization entirely. It can be a valuable tool for comprehension in certain situations.
Techniques to Reduce Subvocalization
Alright, guys, now that we understand why we subvocalize and how it can affect our reading speed, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to reduce it. There are several techniques you can try, and the key is finding what works best for you. Remember, it takes practice and patience, so don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight. Let’s dive in!
1. Use a Pacer
One of the most effective methods to reduce subvocalization is using a pacer. A pacer is simply something that guides your eyes across the page at a faster rate than you would normally read. This can be anything from your finger to a pen or even a dedicated reading tool. The idea is to move your eyes smoothly and consistently, which forces you to take in words and phrases more quickly, making it harder to subvocalize each word individually.
How to Use a Pacer
To use a pacer effectively, start by running your finger or pen under the lines of text as you read. Gradually increase the speed at which you move your pacer. The goal is to push your reading speed beyond your subvocalization rate. At first, you might feel like you're not comprehending as much, but stick with it. Your brain will adapt to processing information more quickly. Try different pacing patterns, such as tracing lines or moving in a zigzag pattern, to keep your eyes engaged and prevent them from fixating on individual words.
2. Listen to Music
Listening to music while you read can be a fantastic way to disrupt your internal monologue. The auditory input from the music occupies the part of your brain that would normally be subvocalizing, making it harder for that inner voice to chime in. However, the type of music you choose is crucial. You want something that's instrumental and doesn't have lyrics, as lyrics can actually increase subvocalization as you might start reading and singing along in your head.
Choosing the Right Music
The best music for reducing subvocalization is instrumental music with a steady, moderate tempo. Think classical music, ambient soundscapes, or even some electronic genres. The key is to find something that's engaging enough to hold your attention but not so distracting that it pulls you away from the text. Experiment with different genres and playlists to see what works best for you. Some people find that white noise or nature sounds also work well, as they provide a consistent auditory backdrop without being overly stimulating.
3. Chew Gum
This might sound a little weird, but chewing gum can actually help reduce subvocalization. The act of chewing activates the muscles in your mouth and jaw, which can interfere with the physical aspect of subvocalization. Remember, even though you're not saying the words out loud, your vocal cords and mouth muscles might still be subtly engaged when you subvocalize. Chewing gum gives those muscles something else to do, making it harder for them to participate in the internal narration.
How Chewing Gum Helps
The theory behind this technique is that the physical action of chewing occupies the same neural pathways that are used for subvocalization. By engaging these pathways with chewing, you're essentially disrupting the subvocalization process. It's a simple trick, but many readers find it surprisingly effective. Plus, it's a great excuse to have a piece of gum handy while you're reading!
4. Say Something Else
Another effective technique is to consciously say something else while you read. This might sound counterintuitive, but the idea is to occupy your inner voice with a different verbal task. You could try counting silently, repeating a simple phrase, or even humming a tune. The key is to choose something that's repetitive and doesn't require a lot of mental effort, so it doesn't interfere with your comprehension of the text.
Keeping Your Inner Voice Busy
By giving your inner voice something else to focus on, you're preventing it from subvocalizing the words you're reading. This can help you break the habit of internal narration and increase your reading speed. Just make sure that whatever you're saying or humming doesn't become too distracting. The goal is to create a background hum, not a full-blown symphony in your head.
5. Practice Speed Reading Exercises
There are several speed reading exercises designed to reduce subvocalization and improve your overall reading speed. These exercises often involve techniques like chunking words together, expanding your eye span, and minimizing regressions (re-reading words or phrases). By practicing these exercises regularly, you can train your brain to process information more quickly and efficiently, reducing your reliance on subvocalization.
Types of Speed Reading Exercises
One common exercise is to practice reading columns of words or phrases, rather than individual words. This forces you to take in information in chunks, which can help you bypass subvocalization. Another exercise involves using a finger or pacer to guide your eyes across the page at an increasing speed. You can also try timed reading exercises, where you set a timer and try to read a certain amount of text within a specific timeframe. The key is to challenge yourself and gradually push your reading speed beyond your comfort zone.
6. Focus on Comprehension
Ultimately, the goal of reading is comprehension, so it's essential to focus on understanding the text rather than just speeding through it. When you're actively engaged with the material, asking questions, and making connections, you're less likely to subvocalize. Think of reading as a conversation with the author, rather than just a passive activity. The more you engage with the text, the more naturally your reading speed will increase.
Staying Engaged with the Text
To improve comprehension, try summarizing sections of the text in your own words, highlighting key points, or even discussing what you're reading with someone else. Active reading techniques like these not only help you understand the material better but also make the reading process more enjoyable. And when you're enjoying what you're reading, you're less likely to get bogged down in subvocalization.
The Benefits of Stopping Subvocalization
So, why bother putting in the effort to stop subvocalizing? Well, guys, the benefits are pretty significant! Think about it: if you can read faster, you can learn more, accomplish more, and have more time for the things you love. Let's break down some of the key advantages.
Increased Reading Speed
This is the most obvious benefit. By eliminating or reducing subvocalization, you can significantly increase your reading speed. As we discussed earlier, subvocalization limits your reading speed to your speaking speed. By breaking free from this limitation, you can potentially read two, three, or even four times faster. Imagine how much more you could read in the same amount of time!
Improved Comprehension
It might sound counterintuitive, but reducing subvocalization can actually improve your comprehension. When you're not bogged down in sounding out each word in your head, your brain is free to focus on the bigger picture: the meaning of the text. This allows you to grasp concepts more quickly and retain information more effectively. It’s like clearing the noise so you can hear the message more clearly.
Enhanced Focus
Subvocalization can be a distraction in itself. That little voice in your head can sometimes lead to wandering thoughts or losing your place in the text. By reducing subvocalization, you can improve your focus and concentration, allowing you to stay more engaged with the material and get more out of your reading sessions. It’s like turning down the volume on your internal chatter so you can better hear the author’s voice.
Greater Efficiency
In today's fast-paced world, efficiency is key. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to read, being able to process information quickly is a valuable skill. By stopping subvocalization, you can become a more efficient reader, allowing you to tackle large volumes of text in less time. This can free up your schedule for other activities, reduce stress, and help you achieve your goals more effectively.
Final Thoughts
Stopping subvocalization is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, practice, and patience to break the habit of internal narration. But the rewards – increased reading speed, improved comprehension, enhanced focus, and greater efficiency – are well worth the effort. Remember, guys, it's not about eliminating subvocalization entirely; it's about reducing it to a level that allows you to read more effectively. So, try out these techniques, find what works best for you, and enjoy the ride to faster, more efficient reading!