How to Use Speed Reading in Helperbird

Learn how to use Helperbird's Speed Reading feature to read text faster by displaying one word at a time. Adjust speed, enable phonics mode, and customize your reading experience.

What is Speed Reading?

Speed Reading displays one word at a time in the center of your screen. This technique helps you read faster because your eyes do not have to move across the page.

You can adjust how many words appear per minute and add helpful features like syllable breakdown for difficult words.


Who is This For?

This feature is helpful for:

  • People who want to read faster
  • Anyone who gets distracted by other text on the page
  • Students who need to get through reading material quickly
  • People with attention difficulties who benefit from focused presentation
  • Anyone who wants to try rapid serial visual presentation

Step 1: Open Helperbird

Click the Helperbird icon in your browser toolbar. It looks like a small owl and is usually in the top-right corner of your browser.

This will open the Helperbird menu.


Step 2: Open the All Features Section

Scroll down to the bottom of the Helperbird menu. You will see a section called All Features.

Click the arrow next to All Features to expand it and show all available features.


Step 3: Find Speed Reading

Look through the list of features until you see Speed Reading.

It has a speedometer icon next to it.

Click on Speed Reading to open it.


Step 4: Select Text and Start

First, highlight the text you want to speed read on the webpage. Click and drag your mouse to select a passage.

A Speed Reading panel will appear showing one word at a time in large text.


Step 5: Control Playback

Use the controls in the Speed Reading panel:

  • Play button – Start displaying words
  • Pause button – Stop the display
  • Left arrow – Go back one word
  • Right arrow – Go forward one word

Previous and upcoming words appear in smaller boxes below the main word so you have context.


Step 6: Customize Settings

Click the Settings button to adjust your speed reading experience:

  • Speed – Use the slider to adjust reading speed in WPM (words per minute). Higher numbers mean faster reading.

  • Anchor – When turned on, this highlights the middle letter of each word to help maintain focus.

  • Show Phonics – When turned on, words are broken into syllables for easier pronunciation.

Click Save to apply your changes.

Tip: Start with a slower speed like 100-200 WPM if you are new to speed reading, then gradually increase as you get comfortable. The phonics feature is especially helpful for unfamiliar or complex words.


Video Tutorial


Need Additional Help?

If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact the Helperbird support team. You can reach us at Helperbird support. We are happy to help you get the most out of Helperbird.

Customer Testimonial

"After using Helperbird I can't say enough positive things about it. This extension has truly transformed my online reading experience. Whether it's adjusting font sizes, reducing eye strain with the gray filter, or using the dyslexia-friendly fonts, Helperbird offers a range of features that cater to individual preferences and needs. The customizable color options and text alignment have also been incredibly helpful for personalizing my browsing. And the speed reading feature? It's a game-changer! Overall, Helperbird is a versatile, user-friendly tool that enhances accessibility and makes online reading a breeze. Highly recommended!"

Profile picture of Charlie Nishelle Calkins
Charlie Nishelle Calkins
Helperbird Pro user
Helperbird logo: Stylized owl with large yellow eyes and a beige face, against a green background.

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