Open the software program and locate the "Activities" section. Some programs will display an "Activities" page as the default homepage or you can locate it from the main menu.
Select the option or menu choice to "Set Base Reading Speed."
Read instructions for taking the test and then begin. Answer reading comprehension questions after finishing the test and wait for results that display your base reading speed as the number of words per minute and your comprehension level as a percentage of words per minute. These numbers are what you will be working to improve upon.
Start each session with warm-up drills. Warm-up drills are short "eye pacing" exercises designed to train your eyes to move at increasingly rapid speeds. Warm-up drill exercises can be generic drills or drills based on your Base Reading Speed, depending on the software you use.
Complete computer-based course level drill sets in the order your speed software program suggests. Available drill sets use your Base Reading Speed as a starting point and work to first double, then triple your Base Reading Speed. Drills also work to maintain a set level of reading comprehension.
Complete eye exercise drills designed to train your eyes to move smoothly over text containing different colors, font sizes, and font styles. Most speed software contains numerous drills of this type in levels rated from Beginner to Advanced.
Reconfirm your Base Reading Speed when the software instructs you to do so. This allows the speed software to adjust course materials and ensure they remain up-to-date with your current level of reading speed and comprehension.