How to Get a Restraining Order

If you or your children are going through abuse or getting threats, you can get a restraining order against your abuser. The threats can be from a domestic partner, family member, or stranger. A restraining order is a court order that prevents the abuser from coming into contact with you. A restraining order offers certain protections and allows for consequences if your abuser violates the order. Once you understand this information, you can go through the process of getting one.

Steps

Deciding to Get a Restraining Order

1. Identify threats or abuse. A restraining order may be filed to protect you and your children from an abuser or stalker. You should get a restraining order if your abuser has caused either physical or mental harm in the past or if he poses a possible threat in the future. There are many actions that can be considered threats. It is abuse if he threatens to or does inflict physical harm through attacks, strikes, or rough physical contact to you or your children. It is abuse if he commits sexual assault or molestation against you or your children. It is also a threat to you if he harasses or stalks you or your children.
   
   • The destruction of personal property is also considered a threat to you and your children's life.
   • For example, a woman and her children are being bothered by the woman’s previous boyfriend. One day he breaks into the woman’s house or car window. When this happens, the woman can file for a restraining order on behalf of herself and her children. Even if the boyfriend still lives in the home, she can get a restraining order if he has acted violently toward her and her children.^[1]
2. Ask for help. Getting a restraining order is a fairly straightforward process, but legal documents are often tricky. Don’t be afraid to consult an attorney for help with filing the order; this can ensure that it is done correctly the first time. An attorney can also guide you to include details relevant to your order that might make it more likely to be granted by the court.
   
   • In addition to legal help, remember to rely on emotional support. Contact friends or family members to help you through this difficult time.
   • Consider seeing a therapist or going to a support group for victims of abuse or stalking.
3. Call 911 any time you feel that you are in danger. Before or after you get a restraining order, you should always call 911 if you feel that you or your children are in imminent danger. A restraining order can only protect you to a certain point, as having one does not guarantee that your abuser will respect the terms of the order. You safety is important and the restraining order can only help if the abuser follows it.
   
   • If you believe that you or your children are in danger from the abuser, even with the restraining order in effect, call 911. Do not rely on the restraining order for complete protection. It is possible that your abuser will violate the order and cause you serious harm.
4. Remember that abuse is never your fault. Many victims of abuse hesitate to take legal action against abusers because they feel that they have brought the abuse upon themselves. Regardless of your own words and actions, abuse is not your fault. You deserve to live a happy life, free from threats and fear.^[2]
   

Filing a Restraining Order

1. Obtain the proper forms. You need to visit the courthouse in your county. You may also need one from the other party's county or the county where the abuse took place. You need to ask the clerk at the courthouse for a request form for the type of restraining order you wish to file. Some areas have these forms on the state website. In this case, you can print the forms out and have them ready when you go to the courthouse.^[3][4]
   
2. Get a lawyer involved. A lawyer is not needed to file a restraining order. You may want to talk with one if you have extra questions about your situation. You may also talk with a lawyer if you find the process confusing. She can help you fill out the forms and advise you on what type is needed.
   
   • You may have questions but don't want to or can't afford a lawyer. In this case, ask for help from your local court staff or an advocate. They may be able to answer your questions.
   • You can call a domestic violence hotline to ask about your options. In some cases, the organization connected with the hotline, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, can get a lawyer for you.
3. Complete the forms. You will have to fill out a petition for a restraining order. You will also have an affidavit that explains the events that caused you to file the order. This includes all abusive or threatening behavior acted against you or your children. You will need to provide information about the other party's looks and her home and work address.
   
   • You will also need to bring medical records or police reports that detail any abuse the abuser inflicted on you or your children.^[5]
4. Receive a court hearing. After filing, you will get information about your court hearing. This usually takes one to two days, depending on your state. The hearing is usually scheduled within two weeks of you filing the paperwork. If you asked for an emergency restraining order, the hearing will take place as soon as possible. This is usually within a week.
   
   • In some states you may request not to have a hearing. A judge can still order one and you have to attend. If you don't wish to have a hearing, your order can be limited. In these cases, the judge can order an abuser to leave the home if you live together. He can also ask the abuser to cease threatening his spouse or children. In this situation, the order can require little else.^[6]
5. Serve the court order to the abuser. The restraining order is not in effect until the abuser is handed the restraining order papers. You may not give her the papers yourself. If you don't know where the abuser is, special forms must be filled out to explain. You can choose to ask someone over eighteen who is not protected under the order to give her the papers. You can also hire a courier service to do it.
   
   • You can find a process server by looking in the phone book or an online phone directory.
   • If personal service is required in your state, you will need to have the County Sheriff or a process server give the abuser the papers. When giving the papers this way, the Clerk’s Office or the Court will take care the situation. There may be a fee. Call the County Clerk or the Sheriff’s Office in your area for more details.
   • In many states, you can give papers to someone by publication. This is only when you cannot locate her. You publish something specified by the court in the newspaper for a certain amount of time. Even if the defendant does not see it, she has been served.^[7]
6. Attend the court hearing. You will need to give testimony supporting your request in front of a judge. You may ask for specific protections at the hearing depending on your situation. Bring evidence to support your claims. This includes any medical or police records and pictures. The abuser is also offered the opportunity to give her side of the story. If the abuser does not show up to the hearing, the restraining order is usually granted.
   
   • When you attend your hearing, dress nicely and remain calm. Do not yell or show any anger, even if you are angry or upset. This will not help you get a restraining order. Pay attention to how you talk to the judge.
   • You have to go to the hearing or the process will be delayed.
   • You may have a lawyer present at your hearing, but it isn't mandatory.
7. Receive the judge's decision. The judge will usually decide whether to issue the restraining order the same day as the hearing. If your request is granted, the judge will issue a restraining order that can last up to five years. It describes the rights your receive with the order. It also explains the limitations imposed upon the other person.^[8]
   

Using a Restraining Order

1. Keep a copy of the order. To protect yourself, you need to have a copy of the restraining order with you at all times. This will help you use it in case the abuser ignores it and tries to contact you. If you have to call the police, the papers will help them understand your situation faster. If you lose your restraining order papers, contact the court for another copy.
   
2. Know the violations. If the abuser makes contact or breaks any other rule, he can be picked up by the police. In some states, restraining orders are given by civil courts. These courts handle family matters and problems with property. Normally someone cannot go to prison based upon the rulings of a civil court. In some cases, going against the restraining order can cause the situation to be taken over by the state.^[9][10]
   
   • In these states, people who go against the rules of a restraining order are brought up on charges for contempt. This causes the case to move from civil court to criminal court.
   • If the order is never broken, the case stays in civil court and does not show up on the abuser's record.^[11]
3. Contact the court. Violations of restraining orders should be reported to the court. The restraining order should clearly state exactly what the other party is not allowed to do. If these rules are violated, she can be arrested and charged with a crime. If the other party fails to return your property, pay child support, or act according to similar orders laid out by the judge, call the court to report her.
   
4. Extend or dismiss the order. You can contact the County Clerk to extend or dismiss a restraining order. You will be asked to explain your reasons for wanting to extend or dismiss the order. Each restraining order has an expiration date. It can be renewed, even if a new incident of abuse does not occur. If you wish to live with the person against whom you filed the restraining order, be sure to have it dismissed first. If not, they can get in trouble.^[12]
   

Understanding Restraining Order Basics

1. Understand the protections. If you file a restraining order, a judge will decide how you will be protected. She bases this non her understanding of the situation. Abusers or stalkers can be ordered to avoid any contact with you and your children. This is in person, by phone, by email or any other medium. Abusers or stalkers can also be ordered not to come within a certain distance of you and your children. This distance is typically , but it can be extended well beyond that.
   
   • If you live with the abuser, she can be ordered to move out.
   • The judge can order that a police escort be there during any needed contact with the abuser. This can be when she returns to a shared living space to collect her things.
2. Know the requirements. There are few requirements that must be fulfilled in order to be eligible for a restraining order. You must be an adult or a minor of a certain age. This age varies by state. You need to show a judge that the person you want the restraining order against is a threat to your physical or mental health. Parents can file restraining orders for minors. Any minor who legally lives on her own can receive a restraining order.
   
   • The youngest age you can be granted a restraining order is different from state to state. In most states, the minimum age is somewhere between 14 and 18. In California, you can get one by the age of 12.^[13][14]
3. Get the ex parte restraining order. There are many court orders that are commonly called restraining orders. They are all very different. An ex parte restraining order is also known as an emergency restraining order or emergency protective order. It is a temporary order that is issued by the court without the named abuser or stalker there to defend themselves. If you think that someone poses an immediate threat, you can obtain an ex parte restraining order to keep them away.
   
   • This order can be signed the same day you apply. This means you will be protected before the date of your hearing.
   • Another hearing is necessary to maintain the restraining order. At this hearing, the accused can defend themselves.^[15]
4. Investigate the orders in your state. There are different types of restraining orders that are used by various states. The difference typically depends on which court files the order. It will also vary depending on the person who you are filing the order against. You can file against someone to whom you are related or have a relationship. This can be a spouse, domestic partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, an ex, or the father or mother of one of your children. You can also file an order against a stranger. Make sure you check your state laws to see what kind of orders you can get and with which court you need to file.
   
   • In California, the Civil Court gives two types of orders, the Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) and the Civil Harassment Orders (CHOs). The DVROs are filed against someone you have a relationship with. CHOs are filed against a person you do not know.^[16]
   • In New York state, you can get a civil Order of Protection from civil or family court. You can also get a criminal Order of Protection from the criminal courts. The main difference is that you can only get a criminal order the person you are filing against is charged with a crime. The district attorney can must get the order for you. The civil Order of Protection is filed against someone you know.
   • In Georgia, there are also criminal and civil Protective Orders. Family Protective Orders are used specifically for people with whom you have a relationship. This type of order is obtained in family or civil court. Criminal Protective Orders are used to stop those you don't know. This type of order is obtained through the criminal courts.^[17]

Tips

• Do not lie to the judge or anyone else to get a restraining order. If you lie in court, you could get in trouble yourself and be charged with perjury, which is a crime.

Related wikiHows

• How to Appeal a Judgment Without an Attorney
• How to Get a Court Order
• Call the Emergency Services

Sources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1H6JQ9Q

How to Make Jello Shots in an Orange

Many people eat or drink Jello shots from plastic thimbles or shot glasses. How cliché. Say you want to spice things up. Try this different method of making Jello shots in an orange.

Ingredients

• 3-5 fresh oranges
• 1 package (6 oz/170g) of orange gelatin mix, Jello preferred
• 16 ounces (500 ml) of boiling water
• 10 ounces (300 ml) of ice cold vodka
• 6 ounces (180 ml) of cold water

Steps

1. Cut the orange in half. Scoop the inside of the orange and set it aside. You can either eat it, use it for another recipe, or discard it. Do this for all the oranges.
   
2. Place your orange shells on a sheet pan. Your orange shells will need to be steady. You can place them on the top of plastic cups. or a muffin tray if you have one.
   
3. Get a medium sized bowl and add the boiling water to it. Dissolve the Jello powder package in the water. Stir until the powder completely disappears.
   
4. Add the vodka and cold water to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
   
5. Pour the Jello mixture into the hollowed orange skins. Pour into the middle of the orange to ensure that the jello sits evenly.
   
6. Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 2 to 4 hours (about the same time to make regular Jello solid). Check on it by shaking the pan in the fridge slightly to see how much it shakes. If it appears to be liquidy, it's not ready.
   
7. Serve responsibly. Serve only to those of drinking age. Keep out of the reach of children, who may see these as a dessert.
   
   • Cut the jello into orange slices for individual shots.

Tips

• If the Jello mixture has settled in, cut the orange halves into pieces for smaller and more shot pieces.

Warnings

• Jello is not a vegan dessert. Gelatin is a protein produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from animal products.
• Don't treat this as a snack. Be aware of how much you take. Jello shots contain alcohol and eating too many will make you drunk.

Things You'll Need

• Spoon
• Cookie sheet
• Mixing bowl

Related wikiHows

• How to Make Super Bowl Jello Shots
• How to Make Red Wine Jello Shots
• How to Make Peppermint Schnapps
• How to Make Candy Corn Jello Shots

Sources and Citations

• http://ift.tt/1DR4tXD VideoJug - Original source of information, shared with permission

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/Y6QPKE

How to Become a Model

A lot of people want to be a model because it's glamorous and lucrative. They may want to be recognized in the modeling world. Modeling is extremely competitive, and the industry is filled with rejection, but successful models spend their time doing something that they love. Knowing what to expect when entering the world of modeling can help prepare you to become a model.

Steps

Mastering the Basics of Modeling

1. Be healthy inside. Eat and drink healthy foods and get plenty of exercise. Having a healthy body will help you look your best.
   
   • Fitness is important. Consider working with a trainer who works specifically with models. Tell him about your modeling goals and how you want to look, and ask for a tailored exercise regimen that will support those goals.
   • Eat right. Contrary to what some people tell you, you should eat healthy foods, as well as healthy amounts of food. Veggies, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins should make up the basics of your diet. Sugars, starches, empty carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats should be avoided as much as possible.
   • Be sure to drink a lot of water. Avoid sodas (even diet sodas) and minimize your alcohol intake.^[1]
2. Maintain your appearance. Take care to make yourself look healthy and well-groomed. What you wear and how you carry yourself are important as well, but you should have a routine that supports the health of your skin and hair.^[2]
   
   • Focus on keeping your skin clear and glowing. Wash your face in the morning and at night, exfoliate once a week, and remember to wash your makeup off before you go to sleep.
   • Keep your hair shiny and healthy. Some agencies and managers prefer the "natural greasy look," so it may be okay if you prefer to minimally shower.
3. Match your modeling goals to your body type. Technically, anybody can be a model. However, if you don't meet certain requirements, the work available to you will be incredibly limited or you may have to compensate in other areas (reliability, technique, etc).^[3][4]
   
   • A Plus-Sized Model: If your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model.
   • A Runway Model: Most women on the catwalk are at least 5'8 and commonly small-breasted. Men are mostly between 5'11 and 6'2.
   • A Print Model: Most editorial female models are at least 5'7, but a beautiful face with great personality are the most important features for print models.
   • An Underwear Model: For women, this requires large breasts but small hips. For men this requires broad shoulders but slim waists.
   • An Alternative Model: Some agencies hire alternative models: models who do not conform to the industry “standards” of beauty, height, and weight. Additionally, having a specific passion or cause that you’re working towards can help open doors that may be closed due based on a body feature that does not “fit industry standards”.^[5]
   • Other Types of Modeling: If you don't fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair, or hand model.
4. Consider situational modeling. If you do not think the runway or magazines are the place for you, look into other types of modeling. Companies use models for special events or to promote specific products. There are fewer restrictions on body type and more emphasis on personality for these modeling jobs.
   
   • A Promotional Model: Some companies want their customer base to interact directly with models who are generally attractive with likeable personalities to promote their brand. You may see these models in grocery stores, events, or clubs promoting things like food, liquor, or new products.^[6]
   • A Spokesmodel: Spokesmodels are hired to be consistently associated with a specific brand. Contrary to popular thought, spokesmodels don't always have to verbally promote the brand.^[7]
   • A Trade Show Model: This type of model is hired by companies or brands to advertise to attendees at a trade show tent or booth. These models are typically not employed by the company but hired as "freelance" models for the event. ^[8]
5. Consider your "look." The look that you communicate can be made up of both your body type and your style. There is more of a curvy California look, a svelte and sophisticated New York look, a waif-like European look, and a boy- or girl-next-door look. Know what you're equipped with, but also try to pull off other looks.
   
6. Educate yourself about the industry. Learn as much as you can from reading books, blogs, and articles about modeling.^[9] Reading quality guides, articles, and books will help you improve important skills (like posing and posture) and better understand how the industry works (such as how to find an agent).
   
   • Also research reputable agencies that place models in high-profile places, such as magazines and fashion shows.^[10]
7. Be prepared for a difficult road. The modeling world is jam-packed with pretty faces. Being good looking does not equate to success as a model.^[11] The modeling business is not just about looking great; you have to fit the need of specific jobs just in order to get a chance. Modeling is only for serious people who carry unique looks and characteristics. Since there are so many people trying to become models in today's world, it's very challenging to get into the industry. Success will only come with patience and perseverance.
   
8. Do not be shy. You will have to promote yourself and look for opportunities to step up and prove your abilities. Standing back and being “polite” will not get you where you are going. Be yourself, let your personality shine, and have a confident attitude.^[12] If you don’t feel confident, fake it; modeling often requires acting skill as well!^[13]
   

Understanding Portfolios and Agencies

1. Take photographs for your portfolio. You should include professional-looking headshots: shots of you up close without a lot of makeup and on a plain background. You should shoot them in nice natural light (but not direct sunlight) without a lot of distraction in the photos. These are meant for agencies to get a look at you in a raw state. Consider a head shot, a body shot, and profile shots.
   
   • The most important thing to communicate in a portfolio is that you are able to present a range of “characters” and looks.^[14]
2. Consider getting some professional photos taken. Though professional photography can be expensive, it can make the difference between being passed over and getting an interview. Think of professional photography as a worthwhile investment in your career!^[15]
   
   • Get your favorite professional shots printed into 8x10s. Save these in case you are asked to leave a photograph before or after an interview.
   • If you've got enough good professional photos, consider compiling them into a portfolio. Bring this portfolio with you to castings or agencies.
3. Take your measurements and know your stats. This information can help modeling agencies place you.^[16] Knowing the information off the top of your head will help you seem professional when you are speaking with an agency or potential client.
   
   • The most basic measurements to know are your height, weight, and shoe size.
   • You should also know your clothing measurements such as dress size, hip, waist, chest/bust, etc.
   • Your personal stats include information such as hair color, eye color, and skin tone.
4. Visit a modeling agency. Almost every major city has multiple modeling agencies, and almost every agency has "open-calls" where they look for new talent.^[17]
   
   • Bring your photographs and/or portfolio. Be sure to have your (accurate) measurements as well.
   • You may be asked to walk or pose for a headshot or other photos during an open call interview.
   • If an agency rejects you, don't get disheartened; often an agency is looking for a diverse set of models, so you may just not fit their model lineup right now.
5. Be wary of scams. Try to research the reputation of a modeling agency prior to an open call or interview. Too many people don't know about the business and end up getting conned. ^[18]
   
   • No agency should be asking you for more than $20 when meeting you. The agency will charge you a commission when you model, but shouldn't get much up front. If they ask for hundreds of dollars from you before you do any work, walk away.

Navigating a Modeling Career

1. Do not sign consent forms without consulting your agent. A client may ask you to sign paperwork or consent forms. Before you sign, be sure to ask for a copy to share with your agent. You do not want to sign a form that gives a photographer or client more power over your actions or images than they should have.
   
   • Similarly, do not sign a contract with an agency unless the agency and the contract both seem legitimate. If you are not sure whether the contract is good, have an attorney or an experienced model read over it for you.^[19]
   • A good agent should have your best interests in mind. She should help you navigate the legal issues in any given contract. ^[20]
2. Be truthful about your measurements. Don't say you're skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there, the stylist will have problems fitting you and the truth will come out. You could potentially lose future jobs due to word of mouth, and you could find yourself without a career!
   
3. Be professional, polite, and courteous. Remember that, even though you're not working in an office, you need to be professional.^[21] Treat the people you work with respectfully. You never know who they know or what sort of a recommendation they might give of you. Never look down on anyone. You may be a model, but that doesn't give you the right to be snooty, affected, or pompous.
   
   • Always show up on time to any appointment or shoot. If you're late or rude, your reputation may precede you and nobody will want to work with you.
   • Be organized. Models often get called to places at the last minute and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things if you want to succeed. Buying a day-to-day planner can really help.
   • Develop professional relationships with photographers. You help the photographer look great, and they will help you look great. It's a win-win situation, so be sure to treat photographers with respect.
4. Treat modeling like a real job. Individuals who don't take it seriously have small chances of succeeding in their modeling career. Realize that it is harder than it appears and there's a lot of work behind all the glitz and glamour you see at fashion shows. Modeling is a full time occupation that requires constant attention. One week away from it and your career can be over.
   
   • Understand that modeling has only a small window of opportunity, and even if you take a short break, you may never be able to return. Models usually only work in the business for a limited amount of time. If you become famous inside of the business, you may be able to extend your career.
5. Confirm whether or not there will be a make-up artist (MUA) on site. Sometimes you are expected to bring certain things with you (such as base foundation) and if they don't have a makeup artist booked, you need to prepare accordingly. You may want to keep an emergency makeup kit with you so that you can do your own makeup if necessary, even if a MUA is supposed to be present.^[22]
   
6. Be creative on the job. Photographers want to see you pose in various poses with different props and backdrop. Changeability is key, so work for the camera and interact with the world around yourself^[23] Listen to the photographer’s recommendations, but don’t be afraid to try your own poses or attitude as well. Similarly, runway coordinators want you to put attitude in your walk or to project a very specific emotion.
   

Tips

• Don't let one or two bad comments by people that are not important let you down. Keep your confidence!
• Do not let rejection dissuade you from following your dreams. Also try to take rejection graciously; you don’t want to burn bridges you may cross again later.
• You can also enter modeling contests. However, make sure you check that these are being run by a reputable agency.
• Know your limits on style and nudity. If you don't want to do glamour work or are uncomfortable doing full nudity, speak up and don't let people push you past those limits. Also, consider where you want your career to go in the future. Sure, you may be comfortable doing glamour now, but what if you decide you want to do fashion or catalog work in the future? You might be discriminated against if they know you have done this line of work.
• If you are a woman going on a Go-see, wear an easy-to-remove outfit without tight straps or any details that will leave marks on your skin. Wear no bra and flesh coloured thong underwear. This will optimize your ability to look good in any outfit the designer or fashion show organizers want you to try on.
• Use caution if considering modeling schools. Modeling school can be expensive, and whether or not they will teach you how to become a model is questionable. Some agencies even say that attending a modeling school can teach you bad habits that are hard to unlearn!
• If you've decided signing with an agency isn't right for you, then you could consider going freelance.^[24] But be warned: the pay is usually considerably less and there are fewer safety precautions.
• Get your parents' permission if you're younger than a legal adult.
• Stay healthy the right way, with diet and exercise. Avoid taking drugs, which will ultimately be harmful to you inside and out.
• If people want you to pose in a way you don't feel comfortable posing in, don't do it.
• If you love to model then keep on doing it even if they turn you away, perseverance is always a special quality.

Warnings

• If you are planning a photo shoot with a photographer you have met online, it is highly recommended that you bring a chaperone to the shoot. It's for your own safety, as you never know who is who online! If you can't bring a chaperone (because you are unable to find one or because the photographer doesn't allow chaperones), make sure you do a background search on the photographer first- check out things such as who they have worked with and for - and call somebody when you get to the shoot and when you leave the shoot.
• Almost all agencies will ask you to fill out a contract. Be sure to read through it thoroughly and make sure you know what every word means. Ask a seasoned model or an attorney to check the paperwork if you do not understand it. It is better know what you are signing for before you accept.
• Be wary of any agency that asks for money up front. The majority of agencies get their money through commission, meaning they take a certain percentage of your pay for every job that you do. If you don't work, then they don't get paid. If you've already paid up, there's no incentive for them to find you work. However, don't dismiss everybody who asks you for up-front fees as a scam.^[25] If you’re unsure about an agency, ask other models they represent what they think of the representation they are getting.
• If you are invited to a foreign country for an audition or job, have enough funds to purchase a return ticket yourself. While legitimate overseas jobs exist, there are many scams that provide one way tickets then trap young girls into prostitution rings when they cannot afford to go back home.
• The pressure of modeling can cause a lot of long term mental health problems, including eating disorders. Don't be afraid to speak to somebody if you think it is getting all too much. If you just can't handle the pressure, it may be time to start thinking of a new profession. A job isn't worth your health!
• Modeling scams are very real and very easy to fall victim to. They play off the hopes and dreams of the innocent. Be careful who you trust.^[26]

Related wikiHows

• How to Act Like a Model
• How to Look Like a Model
• How to Walk Like a Catwalk Model
• How to Become an Internet Model
• How to Be a Nude Art Model
• How to Make Breasts Look Firm Under Clothes Without a Bra
• How to Have an Artsy Photoshoot

Sources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1xo2IyK

How to Learn Speed Reading

Whether you're hitting the textbooks in philosophy class or reading the morning newspaper, reading can feel tedious. Train yourself to speed read to get through these tasks much faster. Reading faster does lead to less understanding, but with practice you can overcome some of this effect.

Steps

Learning to Speed Read

1. Stop talking to yourself. Almost every reader "subvocalizes," or moves their throat as they imagine speaking the words.^[1] This may help the reader remember concepts, but it's also a major barrier to speed.^[2][3] Here are a few ways to keep this habit to a minimum:
   
   • Chew gum or hum while you read. This occupies muscles used to subvocalize.^[4]
   • If you move your lips as you read, hold a finger against them.
2. Cover words you've already read. When reading, your eyes often move back to earlier words. Most of the time, these are short movements that probably don't improve understanding.^[5] Use an index card to cover words right after you read them, training yourself not to overuse this habit.
   
   • These "regressions" also happen when you've failed to understand something. If your eyes jump several words or lines back, that's a sign that you may need to slow down.
3. Understand eye movements. While reading, your eyes move jerkily, stopping on some words and skipping others. You can only read while your eyes are stopped. If you learn to make fewer movements per line, you'll read a lot faster. But be careful – research reveals limits to how much English readers can see at once:^[6]
   
   • You can read eight letters to the right of your eye position, but only four to the left. This is roughly two or three words at a time.
   • You notice letters 9–15 spaces to the right, but can't read them clearly.
   • Normal readers don't process words on other lines. Training yourself to skip lines and still understand them would be very difficult.
4. Train your eyes to make fewer movements. Your brain normally decides where to move your eyes based on how long or familiar the next words look.^[7] You can read faster if you train your eyes to move to specific places on the page instead. Try this exercise:^[8]
   
   • Place an index card over a line of text.
   • Write an X on the card, over the first word.
   • Write another X on the same line. Place it three words further for good understanding, five words for easy texts, or seven words to skim the main points.
   • Write more Xs at the same spacing, until you reach the end of the line.
   • Read quickly as you move the index card down, trying to only focus your eyes just below each X.
5. Set a pace faster than you can understand. Many programs claim to increase your reading speed by training your reflexes first, then practicing until your brain can catch up. This has not been thoroughly studied. It certainly increases the speed you move through the text, but you may understand little or nothing. Try this if you want to aim for extreme speed reading, and you might understand more after a few days of practice. Here's how:
   
   • Move a pencil along the text. Time this so you can say "one one thousand" at a calm pace and finish just as you reach the end of a line.
   • Spend two minutes trying to read at the pace of the pencil. Even if you can't understand anything, stay focused on the text and keep your eyes moving for the entire two minutes.
   • Rest for a minute, then go even faster. Spend three minutes trying to read at the pace of a pen that moves across two lines every time you say "one one thousand".
6. Try RSVP software. If you can't reach your goals with the techniques above, try RSVP, or Reading Rapid Serial Visual Presentation. In this approach, the phone app or computer software flashes text a single word at a time. This lets you choose any reading speed you like. Raise it too high, though, and you won't be able to remember a large percentage of the words.^[9] This may be useful to get a rapid summary of a news article, but not when studying or reading for fun.
   
   

Skimming Text

1. Know when to skim. Skimming can be used to gain a shallow understanding of a text. It can be used to scan a newspaper for interesting material, or to get the important concepts out of a textbook in preparation for a test. It's not a good replacement for thorough reading.
   
2. Read titles and section headings. Begin by only reading the chapter titles and any subheadings at the start of large sections. Read the headlines of each newspaper article, or the table of contents in a magazine.^[10]
   
3. Read the beginning and end of a section. Textbooks usually contain introductions and summaries of each chapter. For other texts, just read the first and last paragraph of a chapter or article.
   
   • You can read quickly if you're familiar with the subject, but don't try to speedread as fast as possible. You're saving time by skipping most of the section, but you do need to understand what you're reading.
4. Circle important words throughout the text. If you still wish to learn more, brush your eyes rapidly across the page rather than reading normally. Now that you know the gist of the section, you can pick out key words that mark important areas. Stop and circle the following words:^[11]
   
   • Words that are repeated several times
   • The main ideas – often including words from the title or section header
   • Proper nouns
   • Italics, bold text, or underline
   • Words you don't recognize
5. Examine pictures and diagrams. These often present a lot of information without much reading required. Take a minute or two to make sure you fully understand each diagram.
   
6. Read the first sentence of each paragraph, if confused. If you've lost track of the subject, read the start of each paragraph. The first one or two sentences will teach you the main points.^[12]
   
7. Study using your annotations. Go back and look over the words you've circled. Can you "read" these and get a general sense of what the text is about? If you get confused at a certain word, try reading a few sentences around that word to remind yourself of the topic. Circle additional words as you do this.
   

Timing Your Reading Speed

1. Time your reading speed. Track your progress by timing yourself daily, or each time you try these exercises. Trying to beat your best speed can provide great motivation. Here's how to time your reading in words per minute (wpm):^[13]
   
   • Count the number of words on a page, or count the number in one line and multiply by the number of lines on the page.
   • Set a timer for ten minutes and see how much you can read in that time.
   • Multiply the number of pages you read by the number of words per page. Divide by ten to get your words per minute.
   • You can use an online "speed reading test," but you will probably read at a different pace on a screen than on a printed page.^[14]
2. Set yourself goals. Your reading speed should improve if you repeat one or more of these exercises daily. Many people can double their reading speed after several weeks. Set yourself milestones to motivate yourself to keep practicing:
   
   • 200–250 words per minute is the expected reading speed for someone age 12 or older.^[15]
   • 300 wpm is the reading speed of the average college student.
   • At 450 wpm, you're reading as fast as a college student skimming for the main points. Ideally, you can do this with almost total comprehension.
   • At 600–700 wpm, you're reading as fast as a college student scanning to find a word. Most people can learn to read at this speed with about 75% of their normal comprehension.^[16]
   • At 1,000 wpm and above, you're reaching the level of competitive speed readers. This usually requires extreme techniques that skip over most of the text. Most people can't remember much at this speed.

Video

Tips

• Take a break every 30–60 minutes. This will keep you focused and reduce eye strain.
• Practice in a quiet, well-lit environment. Use earplugs if necessary.
• Analysing and changing your reading can become difficult because you start focusing on your reading techniques rather than understanding the text. Make sure you're not reading too fast and you properly understand what you have read.
• If you can't improve your reading speed, have your vision checked.
• Read important texts when you're alert and well-rested. Some people function well in the morning, while others think better in the afternoon.^[17]
• Holding the page further away will probably not speed up reading. Most people automatically adjust to the distance that allows maximum speed.^[18]
• "Zig zag" exercises that try to get your eye to move left-to-right-to-left probably don't work. Most people who train this way still move their eyes left-to-right, line by line.^[19]

Warnings

• After a point, reading faster will always have a trade-off in less comprehension or worse memory of the text.
• Beware of expensive speed reading products. Many of them offer similar advice and exercises, or exercises not backed up by research.

Things You'll Need

• Reading material
• Earplugs (if in a noisy area)
• Stopwatch
• Index card

Related wikiHows

• How to Exercise Your Eyes
• How to Take Lecture Notes
• How to Read and Write in 1337
• How to Read While Walking
• How to Recognize the Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• How to Re Read a Letter
• How to Learn How People Learn
• How to Improve Speed Reading Skills
• How to Make a Habit of Reading
• How to Learn Quickly when Reading

Sources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1eUFIRo