Read a Book Faster by Listening to the Audiobook at the Same Time
Published by DB,
There’s a lot of benefit to reading regularly, but it can take a while to get through a book. To speed up the process, try listening to an audiobook simultaneously, at twice the speed.
YouTube user FightMediocrity recommends this method. He listens to the book while following along visually. In the video, he explains the advantages of reading this way:
First of all, it combines two senses…so you end up with really good comprehension while being really efficient at the same time. ...Another possibly even more important benefit is…it keeps you going. So you’re not going back and rereading things, you’re not taking all kinds of unnecessary breaks and pauses, your eyes aren’t running around all the time, and you’re not getting distracted every two minutes.
One important thing to keep in mind with this tip: comprehension very much depends on the purpose of your reading (which he points out).
For example, fiction writing is full of nuance. You need to go back and reread things. You need to take breaks to mull over the details. Really, this isn’t limited to creative writing, either. Even when I’m reading a practical, nonfiction book, I often have to go back and reread excerpts to fully understand concepts. Depending on the purpose of your reading and how complex the topic is, your mileage will vary with this method.
But with the right book, it’s certainly worth a try. Check out the full video to learn more.
MY NEW FAVORITE WAY TO READ | YouTube
MAYBE this would be good if you only needed the information - perhaps for a class or reference.
But, it doesn’t make sense to me for something you would want to enjoy. A good book is full of nuances and asides that may not be picked up as you blast your way through it. Additionally, a great audiobook reader often makes a book even more real, especially through character dialogue (accents, timing, pacing, etc.).
This method seems like drinking Soylent instead of savoring your favorite steak/dessert. Sure, the calories get there, but there is no enjoyment (and, in the case of Soylent, apparently more flatulence - but that’s another post).
It’s true. We mention this in the post (maybe you need an audiopost to follow along :P ), but I think you make a good point that this is less about enjoying the experience of reading and more about retaining info.
This is an interesting idea. When I first read the article I nearly dismissed it, but I think I will certainly need to give it ago. I’m not convinced my brain will process it - I don’t deal well with multiple input streams, but that may be due to differences. If its two inputs of the same thing....
Right, I had the same thought process. It’s hard for me to listen to music and work at the same time. But when the inputs match up, I’m sure it’s another story. When I watch a show with captioning, I tend to pay more attention and retain more of the story. I imagine this works the same way.
I went through a reading slump and could not concentrate on reading a single book for several years. I don’t know what gave me the idea, but I read along to an audiobook and it kickstarted what’s been a reading frenzy the last year. I don’t listen to audiobooks while reading anymore, but it did use up enough of my multitasking brain to one action to relearn to concentrate on one activity. I also find it helpful to have subtitles on while watching movies to get me to sit through it.
At a party several months back I met a psychologist and got on this topic with him, and he was excited about sharing this practice with several of his clients who I guess have similar problems like I did when trying to stick with one thing. It was encouraging that he could see the benefit in it for his life and his patience as well.
2013 I read 3 books. 2014 (when I started this) I read 70 books. I’ve read 65 books so far this year.
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