Do-it-Yourself Flooding
Flooding is a technique that will get you up to speed quickly when you first use RapidReader. It's based on sound psychological principles and it's easy to understand why it works. In fact we've all experienced it in every day life. For instance after the first time on the "Rocket to Doom" roller coaster most other rides seem slow and comfortable by comparison (Even if they felt terrifying earlier).
Essentially what happens is that by pushing your limit well beyond what you "think" is possible you stretch your comfort zone. By doing this systematically the first time you use RapidReader you'll be surprised at how fast you can read and still comprehend. We've included a special tutorial that's available to you when you first install RapidReader (and also under the "Help Files"). It walks you through the Flooding process as well as including a tour of how to use RapidReader features and functions.
However if you just want the flooding technique you can do it yourself with any document using the following steps.
Here's the step-by-step process.
- Select an MS Word or Text document you're familiar with (about 1000 words)
- Open it in RapidReader (see opening documents HERE)
- Set the speed at 150 wpm (for information about using RapidReader please click HERE)
- Double-Click on any word to begin
- After you are comfortably reading at that speed...(about a minute)
- PRESS the UP arrow key 2X to increase your speed to 200wpm
- Again after you are comfortable that you are understanding what you're reading...
- PRESS the UP arrow key 2x to increase your speed to 250 wpm.
You may begin to feel that this is outside your comfort level HOWEVER... - PRESS the UP arrow key 10X to accelerate to 500 wpm.
At this stage simply "watch" the words. Don't try to read them. After a minute you may be aware of how much you're actually comprehending. If not, don't worry. - PRESS the DOWN arrow key 8X to reduce your speed to 300 wpm.
At this point most people find that they are surprisingly comfortable. You've just TRIPLED the average on screen reading speed. You'll soon find your own "comfort zone" and what works best for you with each type of reading you do.
