Reducing Subvocalization: How to Overcome the Biggest Barrier to Speed Reading

Reducing Subvocalization: How to Overcome the Biggest Barrier to Speed Reading

If you want to increase your reading speed, one of the biggest obstacles you’ll face is subvocalization—the habit of silently pronouncing words in your mind as you read. But what exactly is it, why does it slow you down, and how can you reduce it? In this guide, we’ll explore what subvocalization is, why we do it, and practical techniques to minimize this habit for faster reading.

1. What Is Subvocalization?

Subvocalization is the internal speech that happens when you "hear" the words in your mind as you read. When we first learn to read as children, we sound out every word aloud. Over time, this habit becomes internalized, and most adults unconsciously "pronounce" words in their heads while reading.

Why Does It Slow You Down?

• Limited by speech speed: The average speaking pace is 125-150 words per minute (WPM), but the brain can process 500-800 WPM.

• Unnecessary repetition: Mentally "hearing" each word wastes time.

• Reduces focus: Inner speech shifts attention from overall comprehension to individual words.

2. Is Subvocalization Always Bad?

No! It can be helpful for slow, complex material (poetry, academic texts, foreign languages). However, it becomes a barrier when speed reading novels, news articles, or reports.

✅ When Is It Useful?

• Understanding complex concepts.

• Reading in a foreign language.

❌ When Does It Hinder You?

• When skimming for key information.

• Reading long books or documents efficiently.

3. Techniques to Reduce Subvocalization

📌 1. Use a Pointer (Finger or Pen)

• Guide your eyes with a finger, pen, or pointer to increase speed.

• How to Do It:

  • Move the pointer slightly faster than your normal reading pace.

  • Focus on following the pointer rather than "hearing" the words.

📌 2. Chew Gum While Reading

• Chewing gum physically suppresses subvocalization by keeping your mouth busy.

• Science-backed: The motor cortex confuses chewing with speech, reducing inner speech.

📌 3. Count or Use a Rhythm

• Mentally count "1-2-3" as you read each line to distract your brain from subvocalizing.

📌 4. Chunking (Reading Word Groups)

• Read phrases instead of individual words.

  • Slow: "The / cat / sat / on / the / mat."

  • Fast: "The cat sat / on the mat."

• Exercise: Practice with newspaper columns, focusing on word groups.

📌 5. Use a Metronome

• Set a metronome to a fast pace (e.g., 300 WPM) and force yourself to keep up.

• Gradually increase speed to train your brain to rely less on subvocalization.

📌 6. Visualize Instead of "Hearing" Words

• Treat words as images rather than sounds.

• Exercise: Glance at a billboard and absorb its meaning without "reading" it aloud in your mind.

4. When Should You Eliminate Subvocalization Completely?

• Don’t force elimination at first—aim for control.

• As your speed doubles, subvocalization naturally decreases.

• Critical texts (contracts, medical reports) may still require careful subvocalized reading.

5. Extra Tips & FAQs

❓ "How will I understand without subvocalizing?"

• The brain processes meaning visually (e.g., you recognize "🚑" as "ambulance" without sounding it out).

❓ "How long until these techniques work?"

• With 2-4 weeks of practice, you’ll notice significant improvement.

❓ "Does reading aloud make subvocalization worse?"

• Yes! Practice silent reading to break the habit.

Conclusion: Silent Reading = Faster Reading

Subvocalization is a learned habit that now slows you down. Techniques like pointer guiding, chunking, and metronome training can help you overcome it.

🚀 Try This Today:

1. Pick a one-page text.

2. Read it using a pen as a guide.

3. Notice how your inner voice fades as speed increases!

You can 2-3x your reading speed—start now! 📚💨