When children start to learn how to read, their progress is slow: they move their eyes slowly across the lines of the text to grasp the meanings of unfamiliar words and phrases. However, as years pass, most people become highly proficient at this skill, resulting in improvement in reading speed.
When children start to learn how to read, their progress is slow: they move their eyes slowly across the lines of the text to grasp the meanings of unfamiliar words and phrases. However, as years pass, most people become highly proficient at this skill, resulting in improvement in reading speed.
Studies show that the average adult can read and understand about 238 words per minute (WPM) while reading silently. When reading out loud, the average reader can read approximately 183 WPM. In addition, statistics by the National Center for Voice and Speech highlight that the average rate of spoken English is 150 WPM. These findings suggest that humans have more capacity for understanding spoken language than we encounter on a daily basis.
This introduces various opportunities for us to consume more information daily. Nowadays, with the rise of technology, it is possible to improve speed listening skills. You may wonder, “Can this really be done? If yes, what are the benefits and side effects of speed listening?” You will surely find the answers to your questions in this article.
So, let’s get started!
What is Speed Listening?
Thanks to today’s advanced technology, we can save time by boosting the speed at which we listen. Specifically, speed listening is an effective technique that coordinates with our brain’s information-processing abilities. As stated above, the human brain is capable of processing spoken words at a pace that surpasses the speed of articulation. Thus, various audio applications and Chrome extensions for online learning offer the option to increase the playback speed. For instance, the Chrome extension of Saima, which is the world’s first adaptive video controller, personalizes video-watching experience. It helps to understand and focus on video content better in less time. In addition, there are other various tools as a result of which speed listening gained widespread popularity among consumers.
How Does Speed Listening Work?
In casual chats, people tend to speak faster than in formal settings, such as during lectures. The human brain can process information even at a pace beyond that of a casual conversation. However, in order to adapt to the new pace you will need to undergo some training. The good news is that the practice might take a short period of time. Just like gaining new skills, the brain can adjust to new stimuli if the latter is repetitive.
Benefits of Speed Listening
Speed listening, like most things in the world, has its advantages and disadvantages. It enables quick learning, boosts listening abilities, and fosters productivity. However, note that it has some drawbacks as well.
Study Faster
Studying can sometimes be stressful. It might feel impossible to keep up with such a vast amount of information. However, with the introduction of speed listening, students do not need to worry about missing out on any piece of information. In today’s digital world, most textbooks have audio versions. Even if the latter is not available, there are thousands of extensions and applications that can read out loud texts and even images. These tools are especially useful for studying as they mostly offer the feature of adjusting the reading speed according to the user’s preference.
Sense of Achievement
In some cases, people consume information required for their studies or professional careers. However, some of us choose to listen to books or podcasts for self-improvement or just for fun. For example, as of 2023, 464,7 million people globally listen to podcasts and this number is predicted to increase. Moreover, people get a sense of achievement when a book or a podcast is finished, when they learn something new and valuable. Speed listening can assist in achieving all of the above-mentioned.
Drawbacks of Speed Listening
With all the benefits in mind, it is important to note that speed listening can also lead to several problems. Two of those issues are mental burnout and impatience in other areas. Let’s discuss these negative outcomes.
Mental Burnout
Practicing speed listening can initially be overwhelming. Thus, it is important to take breaks while you progress. You should decrease the speed from time to time, especially before increasing the speed to a higher level. When feeling overwhelmed, make sure to take breaks that involve relaxing activities, such as meditation. Remember that mental burnout is a real physiological event. So, the more mental energy you use while consuming information, the more important it becomes to take breaks.
Impatience in Other
Areas As our brains get used to listening at high speeds, we adjust to processing a vast amount of information. This might lead to a perception that everyone else is speaking at a slower pace. We now have the option of slowing down even YouTube videos or TV shows. This constant high speed can sometimes be overwhelming and unhealthy for most of us. Thus, make sure to find your right speed for learning and maintain balance when it comes to speed listening.
How Speed Listening Can Improve Productivity
A study conducted in 2022 by UCLA aimed to find out how faster speeds tend to affect learning among undergraduate students. The test showcased that students effectively retain information when watching lectures at speeds up to twice their usual pace. This example shows that increasing the speed of listening can boost productivity among students.
Moreover, by spreading up the video playback speed, it is now possible to save extra time for consuming more information. This can potentially lead to advancing skills, careers, and knowledge, in general. The extra time can also be dedicated to hobbies, family members or simply used for relaxation. Importantly, productivity improvement can result in an emotionally balanced life.
Tips for Effective Speed Listening
As you can already imply, speed listening is a skill that needs to be fostered over time. For that reason, we suggest looking at the most common tips that will help you enhance effective speed listening. (add an image of a person with headphones listening to audio content at a fast pace, add icons of speed control tools)
Increase the Playback Speed of Audio Content
If you are consuming audio content for fun and engagement, try to experiment and challenge yourself. Consider increasing the playback speed to 3x speed. After some time your brain will adapt to this new change and will become more responsive. If you feel like the speed is too high, make sure to slow it down to avoid mental burnout.
Take Notes While Listening
To make speed listening a more engaging process, make sure to take notes about the content you are consuming. Also, consider taking notes regarding your experience with speed listening. These notes will later serve as feedback for future reference, allowing you to make further modifications and adjustments.
Repeat Key Points Aloud
To learn effectively, make sure to repeat important points out loud. When encountering an important sentence or statistic, repeat it out loud. This will help you grasp the information you are listening to in a more effective way.
Track Your Listening Time
Practicing is crucial, but make sure to take a rest when you are getting tired. Think of it like a workout: here as well, rest is essential for future advancement. Use a time tracker during your speed listening sessions. When reaching the limit, stop and record the results for future consideration.
Conclusion
The widespread popularity of speed listening has its reasons. This powerful tool helps to enhance knowledge and achieve goals in a more efficient manner. While it is important to keep balance, the brain-training can serve as a powerful tool for humans to unlock more opportunities in their studies or workplaces.