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Personalized Programs

Our Speed Reading Programs are customized to meet unique needs across disciplines, whether you’re a student aiming to excel academically or a professional looking to increase productivity. These courses cover tailored techniques that empower you to maximize reading efficiency, retain crucial information and apply strategies directly to the types of material you encounter most. This customized approach helps you build practical skills that make a difference—whether it’s mastering course content, acing exams, or keeping up with critical industry information. Explore our customized paths below to find the program that best supports your goals.

Students

Our student workshops are designed to help you approach technical materials—such as textbooks, case studies, journal articles, research and reports—more effectively and efficiently. With practical techniques for approaching analytical reading, you’ll navigate complex texts faster while retaining essential insights. We also cover how the techniques can be applied towards scoring higher on standardized tests, completing them on time and enhancing overall exam preparation for many different types of exams (ACT/SAT, GRE GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, NCLEX, among many others), helping you improve comprehension and recall, setting you up for both academic and professional success.

Professionals

Our workshops for professionals are designed to help you save time with work-related reading by enabling you to absorb more information in less time. Whether managing reports, research, or daily industry updates, you’ll gain skills to streamline your reading process and improve comprehension. Our courses also provide targeted techniques for licensing exams in many different fields such as Financial (CFA, Series 7), Healthcare (USMLE, NCLEX), Real Estate (PSI), and Insurance (Property & Casualty), among others, ensuring you’re fully prepared for essential certifications. By mastering these strategies, you’ll boost productivity, retain critical information, and elevate your professional success.

Private Workshops

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Our Mission

At Iris Reading, we are dedicated to helping students, professionals and lifelong learners read faster, comprehend better, and retain more information. Founded with the belief that reading is an essential skill for success in both academic and professional environments, we have developed programs designed to help you maximize your reading efficiency.

Our Mission is to empower individuals at every level to handle information overload with confidence. Whether you’re managing work-related reading, keeping up with academic material, or looking to improve your personal development, Iris Reading provides expert guidance, tools, and techniques that make reading a skill to master—not just a chore.

Find a Workshop Near You

Explore our publicly scheduled Speed Reading & Memory Workshops in cities across the U.S. and Internationally! These classes are open to anyone seeking to improve their reading speed, comprehension and memory. In addition to these public events, Iris Reading also facilitates private workshops in many other cities that are customized for students and professionals, often hosted by organizations in various other cities. If you don’t see your city listed, reach out to us directly about organizing a workshop in your area. Click on a city below to learn more and sign up for an upcoming workshop near you!

International

Meet the Founder

Paul Nowak, Founder & CEO of Iris Reading, expert in speed reading and memory techniques

Paul Nowak, Founder & CEO of Iris Reading, has built the world’s most trusted provider of courses in speed reading, memory improvement, effective note-taking and personal productivity. Through his leadership, IRIS courses and workshops have become internationally recognized, helping students and professionals maximize their reading efficiency. IRIS programs have been welcomed by top institutions that include Harvard, Stanford, the University of Chicago, among many others, as well as major organizations such as NASA, Google, LinkedIn and multiple Fortune 500 companies. By introducing techniques that are practical and impactful, Paul has empowered countless individuals to maximize their potential.

IRIS Speed Reading Academy

Iris Speed Reading Classes

Iris Reading’s Speed Reading Academy is a comprehensive, self-paced program designed to equip students, professionals, and lifelong learners with effective speed reading concepts, comprehension strategies, and memory techniques to enhance reading efficiency and retention. Participants learn practical methods they can instantly apply to their reading material, enabling them to process new information faster and retain it more effectively. This program is perfect for students at all levels—from pre-college through post-doctoral—who want to stay on top of class readings, delve into research, and prepare strategically for exams. For professionals and executives, the Academy offers tools to handle the constant flow of work-related reading, helping them to streamline information intake and optimize productivity. Lifelong learners will find it just as valuable, whether they’re looking to boost productivity or enjoy leisurely reading without missing a beat. Through this dynamic program, learners gain a structured approach to reading that transforms their experience and boosts their overall learning potential.

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  See What Others Are Saying

Testimonial from Jason Tyler, Executive Vice President at Northern Trust Asset Management, highlighting the productivity impact of Iris Reading courses on his work and his department.

Your class truly had a significant impact on my productivity as well as many others in our research department. Thanks again.

Testimonial from Jason Tyler, Executive Vice President at Northern Trust Asset Management, highlighting the productivity impact of Iris Reading courses on his work and his department.

I must thank you for a superb workshop. The students are excited about what they got out of the day, not only reading faster but the memory techniques & other study skills. We definitely want to do the same workshop next year with our entering medical students.

Testimonial from Jason Tyler, Executive Vice President at Northern Trust Asset Management, highlighting the productivity impact of Iris Reading courses on his work and his department.

These techniques were tremendously useful because our office deals with a significant amount of reading and research. Thank you!

Testimonial from Jason Tyler, Executive Vice President at Northern Trust Asset Management, highlighting the productivity impact of Iris Reading courses on his work and his department.

Thank you so much for your training and expertise. I do believe everyone involved came away with some useful new techniques, tools and ideas they can use going forward when reading and reviewing our claims materials. We look forward to working with you again in the future.

  Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Iris Reading’s courses different from other speed reading programs?

Iris Reading’s courses stand out due to their focus on both speed and comprehension. Unlike many speed reading programs that prioritize speed alone, Iris Reading emphasizes a balanced approach that includes retention and memory techniques, ensuring that you understand and remember what you read. Our courses are taught by experienced professionals and offer practical, real-world applications tailored to students, professionals, and lifelong learners. This comprehensive approach has helped thousands of learners enhance their reading efficiency effectively and sustainably.

How can speed reading help me manage information overload?

Speed reading is an effective skill-set for handling information overload by allowing you to process large volumes of content in a fraction of the time. By increasing your reading efficiency, you can stay up-to-date with essential information without feeling overwhelmed. Speed reading also involves techniques for skimming less critical sections and focusing on key insights, which can greatly reduce the mental fatigue that often accompanies information overload. Iris Reading courses teach you how to prioritize content and retain more of what matters most.

How quickly can I see results from a speed reading course?

The goal is for participants make an immediate improvement during the course as we will measure your reading speed multiple times throughout to help you keep track of your progress. Beyond the course, measurable improvements come with practice, depending on how often they apply the techniques. Iris Reading courses are designed to deliver actionable results that you can implement immediately. With consistent use, many see increases in reading speed and comprehension within a few days, while significant, lasting improvements often become evident within a few weeks to a couple of months.

Can speed reading improve my comprehension and retention?

Yes, speed reading can enhance both comprehension and retention when paired with techniques that emphasize understanding and memory. Iris Reading courses don’t just focus on speed—they also teach strategies for improving comprehension and retention, ensuring that you can remember key information effectively. Memory principles like visualization and association are incorporated to help you recall and retain the material longer, making speed reading more effective for in-depth learning.

Are your speed reading techniques applicable to digital reading formats?

Absolutely! Iris Reading’s speed reading techniques are fully adaptable to digital formats, such as PDFs, eBooks, and online articles. Our courses cover methods to reduce eye strain, improve focus on screens, and use digital-specific reading tools. This makes it easier to manage digital content and enhances reading efficiency across all types of devices, from computers to mobile screens.

What is the difference between speed reading and skimming?

Speed reading and skimming are distinct techniques. Skimming involves quickly glancing through a text to get a general idea of the content, often without full comprehension. Speed reading, however, is a systematic approach to reading quickly while maintaining or even improving comprehension. Iris Reading’s courses teach speed reading techniques that allow you to read thoroughly yet efficiently, which is especially useful for important documents that require a deep understanding.

Is this program suitable for beginners or those who read slowly?

Yes, Iris Reading’s programs are suitable for readers of all levels, including beginners and those who may currently read at a slower pace. Our courses provide foundational techniques that are easy to learn and practice, gradually building up to more advanced strategies. The step-by-step approach ensures that even new learners can improve their reading speed and comprehension at a comfortable pace.

What are the benefits of speed reading for professionals?

The benefits of speed reading for professionals are extensive, particularly in today’s fast-paced, information-heavy work environments. Our Speed Reading for Business Professionals course is specifically designed to help professionals increase productivity, enhance focus, and improve information retention, all of which are critical in business settings where quick, effective reading is essential.

  • Increased Productivity: Speed reading enables professionals to go through large volumes of work-related reading material in a fraction of the usual time. This includes emails, reports, research documents, and industry publications, helping professionals stay on top of critical information without spending hours on it.
  • Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Our courses teach techniques to minimize distractions, improve concentration, and maintain focus while reading, making it easier to absorb essential details and insights from complex materials. This skill is especially valuable for those who juggle multiple projects and need to process information efficiently.
  • Better Information Retention and Comprehension: Unlike traditional speed reading, which may sacrifice understanding for speed, our courses emphasize comprehension and retention. Professionals learn memory techniques to remember key details longer, improving recall for client meetings, presentations, or strategic planning sessions.
  • Reduced Stress and Mental Fatigue: Many professionals face “information overload,” leading to burnout and stress. Speed reading equips them with strategies to handle heavy reading loads confidently, reducing the mental fatigue that often comes with processing excessive information.
  • Staying Competitive and Informed: In industries where information rapidly evolves, speed reading can give professionals a competitive edge. By absorbing new knowledge and trends faster, they can make informed decisions and stay ahead in their fields.

Our Speed Reading for Business Professionals course teaches actionable techniques that are immediately applicable, allowing participants to integrate speed reading into their daily workflows seamlessly. This training is an investment in professional development that enables participants to work smarter, not harder, by mastering how to read, retain, and recall information quickly and effectively.

Check Out Our Customized Course: Speed Reading for Business Professionals.

Does speed reading affect comprehension?

Reading, much like playing a sport or learning an instrument, is a skill that requires continuous improvement and fine-tuning. When learning about speed reading, it is essential to develop a healthy balance among three main areas: speed, comprehension, and retention. It is a common concern that increasing reading speed may negatively impact comprehension. However, with the right approach and training, it is entirely possible to enhance your reading speed without sacrificing understanding.

At Iris Reading, we emphasize that speed reading is not just about skimming through text quickly. It’s about mastering fundamental concepts, techniques, principles, and strategies tailored to the content and structure of the reading material. These strategies are designed to help you recognize patterns within the text, allowing you to read more efficiently while maintaining a high level of comprehension and retention.

Our courses are structured to guide you through this balanced approach. We recommend starting with our Speed Reading Foundation Course, where you’ll learn to integrate these essential elements into your reading practice. By doing so, you can improve your reading speed while still fully understanding and remembering the material.

How can I improve my reading speed?

Improving your reading speed is a multifaceted process that involves training your eyes to move more efficiently across the text. One of the key aspects of this training is understanding that your eyes are naturally attracted to motion. By becoming familiar with certain types of eye movements, you can significantly increase your reading speed.

Your eyes typically move in short, rapid bursts called saccades when reading. By reducing the number of these movements and increasing the span of each saccade, you can read larger chunks of text at once. This technique, along with minimizing backtracking and regression, can greatly enhance your reading pace.

To achieve this, incorporating hand-eye coordination and eye-training exercises into your routine is crucial. These exercises train your eyes to move smoothly and quickly, allowing you to cover more text in less time. Techniques such as using a pointer or your finger to guide your eyes along the lines of text can also help maintain focus and improve speed.

At Iris Reading, our Speed Reading Mastery Course covers these techniques comprehensively. You’ll learn a variety of exercises designed to strengthen your eye movements and coordination, enabling you to read faster without losing comprehension. By practicing these techniques regularly, you can train your eyes to become more efficient readers, unlocking your full potential.

Is speed reading suitable for all types of material?

Having the ability to quickly navigate new information and remember it is one of the greatest skills you can develop. However, it’s important to understand that speed reading is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, think of your reading speed as a range rather than a fixed number in words per minute (WPM).

When reading familiar or generally easier material, you can read through the information more quickly. Conversely, when dealing with technical material, analytical reading, or dense informational content, you might find yourself reading more slowly to ensure comprehension and retention. The key is to adapt your speed to the type of material and your purpose for reading.

Are you reading for pleasure, or are you conducting research and looking for crucial information? Our in-person classes and online courses cover the IRIS Method™, which is specifically designed for approaching technical material more effectively. The workshop focuses on fundamental concepts, techniques and principles that significantly impact your focus and concentration, especially when reading for extended periods.

While the techniques we teach can be applied to any type of reading material, it’s essential to remain mindful of your purpose while reading. Speed reading can be incredibly effective, but the approach may vary depending on whether you are reading for leisure, studying, or conducting detailed research. By adapting your reading speed to suit the material and your objectives, you can enhance both your efficiency and comprehension.

How much practice is needed to see improvement?

The amount of practice needed to see improvement in speed reading varies from person to person, but the key is consistent and focused practice. Just like learning any new skill, regular practice is essential to develop and refine your speed reading abilities. Most participants start noticing improvements within a few weeks of dedicated practice.

At Iris Reading, we emphasize that the quality of practice is just as important as the quantity. Our courses provide structured exercises designed to enhance your reading speed, comprehension, and retention. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can steadily build up your skills.

For beginners, dedicating about 15-30 minutes a day to speed reading exercises can lead to noticeable improvements in a relatively short period. As you become more comfortable with the techniques, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of your practice sessions.

It’s important to approach practice with patience and persistence. Speed reading is a skill that develops over time, and while some may see rapid progress, others might experience more gradual improvement. The key is to maintain a consistent practice schedule and stay committed to the process.

In our Speed Reading Mastery Course, we provide a comprehensive set of exercises and techniques that you can practice regularly. By following our guided training program, you’ll be able to track your progress and see tangible improvements in your reading speed and comprehension.

Can anyone learn to speed read?

Yes, anyone can learn to speed read! Just like any other skill, speed reading can be developed with the right techniques, practice, and dedication. At Iris Reading, we believe that with the proper guidance and training, anyone can significantly improve their reading speed, comprehension and retention.

Speed reading is not an innate talent but a learned skill that involves training your eyes and brain to process information more efficiently. Our courses are designed to teach you the fundamental concepts, techniques, and principles necessary to enhance your reading abilities. These include strategies to minimize subvocalization, improve eye movements, and increase focus and concentration.

One of the most important aspects of learning to speed read is consistent practice. By incorporating speed reading exercises into your daily routine, you can gradually build up your speed while maintaining or even improving comprehension and retention. Our Speed Reading Foundation Course provides a structured approach to help you develop these skills step by step.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, speed reading can benefit anyone who wants to read more efficiently and effectively. It’s particularly useful for those who deal with large volumes of information regularly, such as researchers, students, and business professionals.

In summary, anyone can learn to speed read with the right approach and practice. Our courses at Iris Reading are designed to help you unlock your full reading potential, making you a more efficient and effective reader.

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