I had a reader of this site ask me about this, so I figured I should chime in with my opinion for everyone. They asked me about some programs that they’ve seen online that are designed and marketed as “Hypnosis Speed Reading” audio tracks that are designed to help you read faster and comprehend more by putting you in a trance-like state that still lets you operate normally.
Let me start by saying that I’ve never been hypnotized, nor do I think it actually works all that well, though I have seen it done at stage shows and it’s pretty entertaining. However, I do have some experience with the binaural beat pattern technology that this kind of hypnosis speed reading program is based on, so I do have some expertise in that area.
The way it works is actually pretty simple. By using a recurring auditory signal created by a program like BWGEN (my personal favorite), and listening through headphones, you can synchronize the electric currents that run through your brain to a specific frequency. Brain research indicates that your brain is at a certain level when you are asleep or dreaming, and at a totally different frequency when you are awake and paying attention, or enthralled by something going on around you.
The basic idea of this kind of product is to use these binaural beat patterns to dramatically change the electric currents in your mind and bring to a state of intense concentration, so that when you read, you’re really into it and can comprehend really quickly. Hypnosis speed reading is often seen as a really simple solution to the complicated process of reading.
So does hypnosis speed reading actually work?
I don’t know for sure, but I can say that I use binaural beat patterns to help me relax when I’m stressed out, for a quick 5 minute “nap” when I’m super tired, and to help me get rid of headaches, so I suppose it might work to help you learn speed reading as well. Again, I haven’t tried these kinds of programs, but I do like the theory.
The Final Verdict on Hypnosis Speed Reading
At the end of the day, if you really want to learn speed reading, then don’t take a shortcut like this. If it does work, then you’ll certainly read faster, but you won’t be able to match what a trained speed reader can do, especially if you don’t have the audio track with you when you absolutely need to. Spending a little time learning the basics with speed reading software like Speed Reader X (this site’s favorite) is a much better way to spend your money and your time. Hypnosis speed reading is probably best saved for those who have already trained in the basic way, and are just looking for a little more edge. For them , hypnosis speed reading might prove to be just what they’re looking for, but overall, I don’t recommend too much of it’s use.