Neuroscientists point out that we’re fortunate our brains can read at all.
Our brain never evolved specifically for reading—it simply wasn’t a natural evolutionary development for our ancestors.
This fundamental neuroscientific insight transformed my approach to teaching reading improvement.
Reading isn’t hardwired into our neural circuitry like walking or talking—it’s a complex cognitive skill our brains have had to adapt to master.
What does this mean for entrepreneurs? Your reading difficulties aren’t personal failures—they’re the natural result of using a brain that wasn’t specifically designed for this task.
With the right science-based reading techniques, anyone can dramatically improve their reading capacity.
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The Science Behind Reading Comprehension
The research is fascinating: skilled readers don’t simply read faster—they process text differently at a neurological level.
Here’s what happens in a skilled reader’s brain:
Eye Movement Patterns
Scientists like Keith Rayner have used eye-tracking technology to reveal that unskilled readers show distinctly different eye movement patterns compared to skilled readers:
- Fixation time: Slower readers spend 300-500 milliseconds on each word, while skilled readers average just 200-250 milliseconds.
- Saccades: These tiny jumps your eyes make between fixation points allow skilled readers to make longer saccades, taking in more text with each eye movement.
- Regression rate: Unskilled readers backtrack to reread words 30-40% of the time; skilled readers do this only 10-15% of the time.
These aren’t just interesting facts—they’re actionable insights. By training specific eye movement patterns, we can literally change how our brains process text.
Neural Activity Differences
Functional MRI studies reveal striking differences between skilled and unskilled readers:
- Skilled readers show less activation in phonological processing areas (they rely less on “sounding out” words).
- They demonstrate higher activation in visual word form areas (recognizing whole words instantly).
- They exhibit stronger connectivity between language and visual processing regions.
In other words, skilled reading is about neurological efficiency—using fewer brain resources to achieve better results.
Breaking Down Sub-vocalization: What the Research Actually Shows
One of the most misunderstood aspects of speed reading is the concept of sub-vocalization—that inner voice that pronounces words as you read.
Many speed reading techniques and programs incorrectly tell you to eliminate it entirely.
However, research by linguists and cognitive scientists reveals a more nuanced picture.
Sub-vocalization isn’t the enemy—it’s a natural part of the reading process, especially for complex material.
The key finding?
Skilled readers don’t eliminate sub-vocalization; they minimize it and make it more efficient.
When researchers measured vocal cord activation during silent reading (yes, your vocal cords actually move slightly even when reading silently), they found:
- Unskilled readers show high levels of activation—essentially “speaking” every word internally.
- Skilled readers show reduced but still present activation, particularly for unfamiliar or complex words.
- Complete elimination of sub-vocalization correlates with reduced comprehension in laboratory studies.
This explains why exercises to count “one-two” while reading can help—they don’t eliminate sub-vocalization but train the brain to process text with less reliance on it.
The Peripheral Vision Advantage
Another exciting area of research and reading techniques revolves around peripheral vision in reading.
Studies show that skilled readers leverage their peripheral vision to:
- Preview upcoming words before directly focusing on them.
- Process multiple words simultaneously rather than sequentially.
- Maintain contextual awareness that aids in prediction and comprehension.
Research indicates that most readers can expand their peripheral vision range by approximately 42% through training.
This is why exercises that train readers to see groups of words rather than individual words prove so effective.
The Scientific Case for Physical Books
The research on physical versus digital reading continues to evolve, but current neuroscience strongly favors traditional books for deep learning.
A groundbreaking 2009 study from the University of Sussex and Mindlab measured stress hormone levels before and after various activities.
The findings were remarkable: reading reduced stress levels by 68% after just six minutes—making it 300% more effective at stress reduction than going for a walk.
Reading books proves 300% more effective at stress reduction than walking because reading engages more mental faculties.
This physiological response helps explain why proper reading techniques leave entrepreneurs feeling energized rather than drained.
Additionally, neuroimaging studies reveal that physical books activate different neural pathways than digital text:
- Enhanced spatial memory networks (knowing where information is located physically on the page).
- Stronger episodic memory formation (remembering information in context).
- Improved tactile memory integration (connecting information to physical sensations).
These aren’t merely preferences—they represent measurable differences in how our brains process and retain information based on the medium.
The Working Memory Connection
Research on working memory capacity provides fascinating insights into reading improvement.
Studies from cognitive neuroscience have demonstrated that working memory—our ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information—plays a crucial role in reading comprehension.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that readers with higher working memory capacity showed significantly better comprehension of complex texts.
What’s particularly exciting is that working memory can be strengthened through targeted exercises.
My approach incorporates this research by:
- Teaching entrepreneurs specific working memory enhancement techniques.
- Providing progressive challenges that expand mental capacity.
- Creating reading protocols that optimize information chunking to work within memory constraints.
Attention and Focus: The Prerequisites to Memory
One crucial scientific finding that transformed my approach comes from attention research.
The neuroscience is clear: memory formation requires focused attention. Without it, information simply doesn’t convert from short-term to long-term memory.
This is why I emphasize focus training alongside speed reading techniques. I regularly recommend three science-backed resources to clients:
- ADHD 2.0 – For understanding attention mechanisms and how to optimize them
- Focus by Harvard Business Review – For practical applications of attention research
- Hyperfocus by Christopher Bailey – For techniques to achieve deep concentration
These resources aren’t just supplementary—they’re foundational.
When entrepreneurs improve their attention control, reading improvements naturally follow as a neurological consequence.
Research published in the journal, Psychological Science, found that individuals who practiced focused attention meditation for just 10 minutes daily showed substantial improvements in reading comprehension after eight weeks—even without specific reading training.
My Research Integration Process
Many clients ask how I stay current with reading science.
Unlike popular speed reading programs based on anecdotal evidence, my methods continuously evolve through systematic research integration.
I thoroughly immerse myself in the literature—reading books, scholarly journals, and research articles.
I often pay for access to academic articles just to study the original research. I’ve likely read over 5,000 pages of research on this topic alone.
My research process combines:
- Primary source analysis: Reading original research papers from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and educational psychology
- Meta-analysis reviews: Studying systematic reviews that synthesize findings across multiple studies
- Applied testing: Validating research findings through carefully designed exercises with clients
- Improved tactile memory integration (connecting information to physical sensations)
These aren’t merely preferences—they represent measurable differences in how our brains process and retain information based on the medium.
This commitment to evidence-based practice and reading techniques differentiates my approach from traditional speed reading programs.
I prefer to go straight to the science because that’s what has longevity and real results.
Additionally, I use AI tools to help process and synthesize research data, allowing me to identify patterns across hundreds of studies that might otherwise be missed.
This combination of human expertise and technological assistance ensures my methods remain at the cutting edge of reading science.
Quantifying Reading Performance: Beyond Gut Feeling
A key part of my scientific approach is precise measurement.
I’ve developed specialized software tests that allow readers to objectively evaluate their skills.
My software tests are straightforward—clients press start, read a thousand words, press stop, and the system automatically calculates their reading speed.
If a thousand words take five minutes, that person reads at 200 words per minute.
This measurement provides valuable benchmarks:
- The average person reads at approximately 238 words per minute.
- This is faster than standard audiobook speed (150 words per minute).
- Skilled readers consistently read faster than 2x audiobook speed.
These aren’t arbitrary numbers—they come from extensive reading studies that established normative ranges for different types of readers.
Having this empirical foundation helps entrepreneurs understand where they stand and set realistic improvement goals.
Conclusion
When we align reading techniques with how the brain actually processes information, remarkable improvements become possible.
The entrepreneurs I work with aren’t just reading faster—they’re thinking differently.
The research is clear: reading skill isn’t fixed; it’s highly trainable at any age.
By understanding the science behind text processing, anyone can transform their relationship with books.
In a world of information overload, entrepreneurs who efficiently process and retain knowledge have an undeniable edge. As your industry evolves, your learning capacity must evolve with it.
I’m passionate about bringing these research-backed methods and reading techniques to entrepreneurs because I’ve witnessed firsthand how they transform not just reading ability but decision-making, innovation capacity, and ultimately, business success.
The science of reading isn’t just academic—it’s your competitive advantage in an increasingly complex world.