Speed Reading and Information Retention

Overview

The amount of information readily available and utilised in our everyday lives is constantly increasing and it can sometimes feel overwhelming how much we need to read and retain in order to be up-to-date and well-informed, especially in the public sector. Whether sifting through large quantities of emails, having to read long reports or researching information from a number of sources, it is increasingly important to access and retain relevant information quickly.

Does this describe you when you read?

Your eyes frequently have to skip back
You get easily bored
You often lose your concentration
You forget much of what you have read
You take a long time to get to the main points, or confuse them with minor ones

If so, host this highly interactive one-day In-House training course and free up much needed time in order to increase productivity and make room for other competing tasks in your working day.

Run this Course In-House

Learning Outcomes

At least double, or event treble your reading speed
Develop a wide range of speeds – ‘different speeds for different reads’
Concentrate better, for longer; dealing with mind-wandering
Discover how to absorb and retain more of what you read
Learn tips and techniques for reading fast and effectively from the computer screen

All the Understanding ModernGov courses are Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified, with signed certificates available upon request for event.

Enquire About In-House Training

To speak to someone about a bespoke training programme, please contact us:

0800 542 9414
[email protected]

Agenda

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09:00 - 09:30

Registration

09:30 - 09:45

Trainer’s Welcome and Clarification of Learning Objectives

Course Objectives and Initial Tests

Initial tests to measure delegates’ current reading performance
Understand what could be achieved

09:45 - 11:00

PART 1: The Physical Process of Reading – “Making Your Eyes Work Better”

Current Reading Habits: How and Why They Cause Problems

Controlling regressions (re-reading words, sentences and paragraphs)
“Chunking” – reading in groups of words
Controlling sub-vocalisation – the internal voice
Recognise your weaknesses and know how best to target these

Initial Exercises and Drills to Overcome Your Own Physical Bad Reading Habits

11:00 - 11:15

Morning Break

11:15 - 12:45

Putting into Practice Key Speed Reading Techniques

Eye Control Tests
Practise the techniques learned so far through a series of reading exercises
Comprehension Tests to measure reading speed and comprehension
Understand which techniques best suit your reading habits

12:45 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 15:00

PART 2: The Mental Process of Reading – “Making Your Brain Work Better”

Causes of poor concentration
Practical ways to concentrate better for longer
The connection of reading speed and concentration
How long to read before concentration wanders
Dealing with Bias and ‘Mental Objections’
Uncover techniques for reading more effectively from a computer screen

Further Exercises and Drills to Consolidate on What You Have Learnt and Achieved Thus Far

How to Comprehend, Absorb and Retain More

Previewing – its importance to achieving full comprehension and retention
How to vary pace, depending on the importance of the document
Getting the comprehension you require
Effective skimming techniques – the ‘zig-zag’, ‘the big S’, ‘ski-reading’

Exercises in Previewing and Speed Reading with Good Comprehension

15:00 - 15:15

Afternoon Break

15:15 - 16:00

How to Remember More; How and When to Take Effective Notes

Why our memory often fails us
How to remember more – basic steps to take
Retaining more from connections and commitment
Note-taking – when and how

Use the skills learned during the day to measure final speeds, comprehension and retention

Trainer’s Summing Up

Knowing how to apply the skills after the course
Discuss practice required for long-term reinforcement
Take away a complete summary of the main learning points of the course for future reference

16:00 - 16:15

In-House: Speed Reading and Information Retention