Often readers will say, out loud or in their heads, what they are reading. While this can help in terms of comprehending complicated or difficult texts, it negatively affects reading speed.
Viewing and processing each word separately dramatically reduces reading speed potential. The best way to get around this is to start looking at clusters of words and eventually whole sentences. Expanding the focal area of the eye on the page is key, as is use of peripheral vision.
Each time your eye stops on the page is a fixation. Rather than moving smoothly along a line of text, the eye jumps from place to place. A good way to accelerate your reading is to consciously try to fixate fewer times within a given text and for less time. At first this will dramatically impair comprehension. Nevertheless, through practice and training the eye will take in more information in less time.
Regression occurs when the reader backtracks over what has already been read. This habit disrupts the brain's flow and greatly reduces reading speed. Regression can be reduced by increasing focus on the text the first time around and avoiding daydreaming while reading. Like the other exercises discussed, the best way to eliminate this practice is to initially sacrifice comprehension in order to train the eye and brain. Consciously focus on constantly moving forward, regardless of comprehension.