Reading is a skill we use every day, in almost every profession. Maybe you’re scrolling through a new project plan, scanning an urgent email, or diving into a lengthy trade journal. Whatever it is, the ability to read confidently and effectively can save you time, headaches, and misunderstandings.

Do you ever reach the end of a paragraph only to realize you’ve taken in none of it? Do you find yourself re-reading the same sentence three times or struggling to remember what you just read? If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

In this article (and accompanying video), we’ll explore a range of reading strategies to help you read smarter and faster. By tailoring your approach to each text, and by staying in control of your reading process, you can make the most of your time—both on screen and on the page.

Reading in Print vs. Reading Online

It’s likely that you already switch between digital and physical reading materials without even thinking about it. In fact, a 2018 Pew Research Center survey found we’re reading books in more formats than ever before. [1] And you probably browse online newspapers, social media feeds, or magazine websites daily.

Yet the printed page remains a powerful medium—so our reading strategies need to adapt to both digital and traditional formats. Each comes with pros and cons worth considering:

1. Authority
   Online reading often means sifting through endless content from countless sources—some reputable, some not. Double-check who wrote what you’re reading and whether it’s been fact-checked or peer-reviewed. Of course, digital writing can also be refreshed and corrected more quickly, so it’s often the most up-to-date.
2. Extras
   Printed materials usually come with images or diagrams. Digital texts can have these and more: audio clips, videos, quizzes, and external links. These can improve your understanding but can also pull your focus away from the text itself.
3. Order
   Physical books and articles tend to be read in a set sequence, from front to back. Online, you can jump around instantly, which is great if you’re in a hurry. But you also risk missing something important or getting lost in distracting side-links.
4. Engagement
   With print, you can highlight with a pen or stick Post-it notes to the pages. But digital texts can be annotated and shared with ease. Just remember to keep your notes organized, so you don’t lose track of the author’s main message.

Tip:

• If you read on an iPhone, try Safari’s “Reader Mode” to eliminate clutter and focus on text.
• Apps like Aldiko or Wattpad let you highlight and annotate passages, then share your thoughts with others.

5 Ways to Read Faster and Smarter

Whether you’re using a book, a tablet, or your phone, these five strategies can help you level up your reading.

1. Know What You’re Reading—and Why

Before you start, ask yourself:

• What’s the text’s purpose? (To inform, entertain, persuade, or explain?)
• Is it accurate, balanced, and up to date—or might it be unreliable?
• Why am I reading it? (For work? For fun? For research?)

Spending a few moments to “preview” your text—checking the title, introduction, table of contents, or even dipping into a paragraph or two—can help you decide how deeply you need to read. Look for any standout features (like chapter summaries or infographics) that will guide your focus. This simple planning step ensures you’re investing your reading time in texts that are truly relevant and worthwhile.

2. Identify Key Information

Once you know the text matters, decide how thoroughly you need to read it. If you only need broad strokes, skim for headlines, subheadings, summaries, bullet points, or highlighted quotes. Spotting patterns in the structure—like the “inverted pyramid” of news articles (big points first, supporting details later)—helps you zero in on what’s important:

• News articles often start with the main facts, then layer in details.
• Opinion pieces might give away the big idea in the intro and wrap-up. Once you’ve read those, you can decide if the middle is worth a deep dive.
• Feature articles might keep the most critical info in the center, so a quick scan of the body text is a smart move.

Tip:

• Use your browser or word processor’s “Find” feature to locate crucial keywords instantly.
• Tools like Spreeder, Spritzlet, or BeeLine Reader can help you push your reading speed higher by displaying text in unique ways.

3. Increase Your Understanding

If you need more than a surface-level understanding, continue using quick-reading tactics but slow down for critical concepts. Pay attention to any diagrams, tables, or charts—they often clarify tricky material. Try annotating or highlighting essential words or passages. The act of marking up the text can help you process and remember the content.

Tip:

• If the material was never intended for on-screen reading and you’re finding it too tough to absorb digitally, print it out. Studies have shown that lengthy or complex pieces can be easier to comprehend in print. [2]

4. Recall and Review the Text

When you need a deep understanding—say for a big presentation, exam, or teaching a subject—try the SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review). This structured system helps ensure you actually retain what you’re reading.

Make detailed notes, highlight key points, and even rewrite complex parts in your own words. Discussing the material with colleagues or friends can further cement your learning. Mind Maps are also a great way to visually organize and recall information later on.

Tip:

• Create or keep a glossary if you’re working through dense, technical jargon. Updating it as you learn ensures you won’t have to look up the same term over and over again.

5. Control Your Reading Environment

Finally, think about where and when you read. For example, tackling a complex research paper right before bed might not be the best idea! Schedule challenging reading for a time when you’re most alert and motivated.

Find a quiet, comfortable spot—free of distractions—and make sure the lighting, seating, and temperature keep you focused, not drowsy.

Tip:

• Explore how your energy peaks and dips throughout the day. Try reading at a time you typically feel fresh and alert, so your brain is primed for absorbing information.

Key Points

• We read across an ever-growing number of formats, so our reading skills need to be flexible and adaptable.
• When choosing between digital or print, weigh up the pros and cons—like authority, added multimedia, reading order, and engagement.
• Match your reading style to the text and to your goals.
• Use these five strategies to get more from every reading session:
  1. Know what you’re reading—and why.
  2. Identify key information.
  3. Increase your understanding.
  4. Recall and review the text.
  5. Control your reading environment.

With these tactics in hand, you’ll be on your way to becoming a more efficient, confident reader—no matter what words flash before your eyes!