For someone like me who is incredibly busy knowledge worker, I can think of no better productivity tool that to read faster. I must confess I took my first encounter with speed reading was in high school in a class devoted to study skills. I actually learned quite a bit in that class including the importance of taking a break. One more time where a teacher had a fundamental impact in my development. The next time I came across speed reading was during my second semester in college at Appalachian State University. Again I improved my speed greatly. That was over 15 years ago, so I was due for a checkup.

Well that’s where the first book in the Alt-MBA curriculum has really made a big difference. 10 Days to Faster Reading by Abby Marks-Beale is the perfect checkup book for someone who has taken speed-reading courses in the past. One of the biggest tips for those of you like me who have strayed in your ways is to remember to keep your eyes moving fast to the point that its a little uncomfortable. You’ll know that you’re reading too slow when your mind wanders, so speed up! I mean it; this sentence should not be slowing you down at all!

This book is also great for those of you that haven’t taken any speed reading courses. I don’t say that from personal experience, but rather that of my colleagues over at Alt-MBA, who enjoyed some remarkable improvements in their reading speeds. The leader for the first week’s book review was the amazing Roxy Allen, who secured an interview with the very gracious Abby Marks-Beale. Check out the great video interview right below for more great tips!

Abby Marks-Beale on Reading Faster from Matt Cheney on Vimeo.