* read introduction paragraph of text;

* read each heading in text;

* read each suading in text;

* read first paragraph under each heading and su
eading of text;

* (if you have time) read first and last line of first and last paragraph of each page;

* (if you have time) read first and last line of each independent paragraph;

* read last paragraph of text - again, this is very important as it is usually in this section that you'll find all of main concepts of text being summarized and concluded.

Moreover, when skimming, try using your peripheral eye vision to identify main idea of text, main dates in text (especially if text relates to historical issues), and any illustrations/diagrams/graphs. Finally, when you are skimming, start at beginning and read straight through to end. Do not go back over what you have already read before you have completed whole text as this will defeat purpose of your skim reading: in any event, you are going to speed read text once more after you have completed your skim read!

Remember, skim reading is not intended to replace any reading of material. Its intention is to familiarize yourself with text so that you can be fully prepared to review it once again at a later time.

In event that you find yourself with insufficient time to both speed read and skim read a text, you should not confine your reading to a mere skim read as you may find that you miss out on vital pieces of data. Besides this, enjoy your skim reading in comfort of knowing it will enable you to increase your overall reading speed!

In other words, speeding reading skills are a "horses for courses" skill. Invoke them at times when you need to read something really fast, but not when you don't need to.

Furthermore, as your retention rates are usually better with speed reading, it is often a good idea that you speed read at times when you have a special need to comprehend and retain information you are reading. If we go back to financial report/thriller novel example above, it is far more likely that comprehending and retaining information in financial report is going to be more beneficial to you, so utilize your speed reading skills at this time so that you can enhance your chances of comprehending and retaining text.

Finally, speed reading does not have to be a cumbersome, professional, skill. It is quite possible to enjoy your time speed reading something, in much same way as you would when reading a novel. To do this all you need do is create correct atmosphere in which to speed read. Eliminate all distractions, such as music and chat. Do a pre-read of materials: read index, headings and su
eadings. Then speed read text. Retain information. Utilize that information.

As you can see then, having ability to be able to speed read will allow you choice of reading faster, or slower. It's about having choices.