Speed Reading

Evelyn Wood: The Woman Who Revolutionized Reading Speed (but Not Necessarily Comprehension)

Evelyn Wood (1909-1995) was an American educator and entrepreneur who popularized a speed-reading program called “Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics.” This program, though commercially successful, remains a subject of debate in the world of reading instruction.

From Frustrated Teacher to Speed-Reading Guru:

Wood’s interest in speed-reading stemmed from a personal experience. While observing a professor quickly flipping through her thesis, she noticed he seemed to comprehend everything he read. Inspired, Wood dedicated herself to understanding and teaching rapid reading techniques.

The Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics Program:

Wood’s program promised to increase reading speed dramatically, claiming readers could achieve improvements of three to ten times their original pace. The core principles involved:

• Eliminating subvocalization: This refers to the inner voice that “sounds out” words as we read. The program aimed to train readers to absorb information visually, without this internal monologue.
• Expanding visual field: Exercises focused on increasing the area of text a reader could take in at a glance, minimizing eye movements.
• Improving concentration: Mental exercises were designed to enhance focus and reduce distractions.

Success and Skepticism:

Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics became a booming business in the 1960s and 70s. Many corporations and individuals enrolled in the program, attracted by the promise of accelerated reading and improved productivity.

However, the program also faced criticism. Detractors argued that:

• Comprehension suffered at high speeds: Critics claimed that focusing solely on speed sacrificed understanding of the material.
• Limited applicability: The program might not be effective for all types of reading material, particularly complex or nuanced texts.
• Lack of scientific evidence: There was limited scientific research to support the program’s claims of dramatic reading speed increases.

Legacy of Evelyn Wood:

Despite the controversy, Evelyn Wood left a lasting mark on the world of reading instruction. Her program popularized the idea of speed-reading and sparked interest in developing techniques to improve reading efficiency.

The debate surrounding her methods continues. However, Wood’s work undeniably contributed to the ongoing conversation about how we can best consume and understand the vast amount of information available in today’s world.