Take note of the synopsis of the text before you set out to read it. Do this by reading what's written in the book jacket, the abstract or even online reviews. Also skim over the table of contents. Taking these extra measure will let you know what to expect when you read and give you a sort of frame for the information. For example, if you know there's a wedding in chapter four, you can read more quickly through the first three chapters and figure out who's getting married.
Use a pointer as you read. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. A simple pen or pencil will work. This technique involves dragging the pointer across a single line of text at a semi-fast rate to help keep you at that speed. You shouldn't get caught up on single words or phrases. Instead, breeze through the material and keep a lookout for major concepts.
Give the flashcard method a try when you want to get through a book quickly. You'll need to get a flashcard that's big enough to cover most of the text on a single page. To use it, position the flashcard under a single line of text so that only that line and the lines above it are visible. Read that line quickly and then move down to the next. The idea is that you're isolating each line from the rest of the page, allowing you to focus and get through it at a faster rate. You also don't have to spend time finding your place at the beginning of the next line.
Cut out all distractions while you read. Whether you notice it or not, music, tv, and even the sound of running water can occupy your mind and slow down the rate at which you read.
Speed read through material in the body of paragraphs. This means that you should carefully read the opening sentence and the closing sentence of the paragraph and fly through everything in the middle. If you're looking for details, this will help you locate them faster than if you read through each paragraph slowly.