Speed reading

Leading your focus (Hand pointer)

 

This is a variation on using the pencil as a pointer. Instead of the pencil, you will now use 

your middle finger as the pointer. Hold out your hand, palm side down so that the fingers are 

closed together while the thumb is at its natural position in relation to the fore-finger. Most 

people will find that their thumb is a little separated from their forefinger while in this 

position. Now relax your fingers. You will find that the fingers will curve downward slightly 

in the relaxed state.

 

---

Figure:

  Using the hand as a pointer.

 

On your practice book, glide your hand along a line so that the word that you are reading is 

directly above the middle finger. Although this is comfortable to most people, you may find 

that you are comfortable with a slight variation on this hand position. Feel free to experiment 

and use the hand position that feels most natural and comfortable to you. It is important to let 

the hands relax, which is why we will not be using a rolled up hand with the fore finger 

extended for use as a pointer.

 

Exercise 3-2

Open your practice book. Your objective here is to read the next three pages using the hand 

as a pointing tool. As you read, simply glide the hand so that the middle finger is just below 

the word you are reading. Read at your normal pace. When you reach the end of the line 

move your hand to the start of the next line, again at your normal pace.

 

After the above exercise, take a short break allowing your eyes to rest. After the break, read 

the next three pages of your practice book using the hand method again.

 

Practice

Repeat the above at least two times a day for the next few days until you feel comfortable 

with using your hand as a pointing tool.

 

---