I learned about the chunking method for speed reading a few years ago from a video. The method suggested reading in chunks of 2–3 words per eye fixation, using a finger as a pointer to jump from one chunk to the next. The video said that after enough practice, you should be able to stop using the finger pointer. I no longer point directly at the text, but I seem to have developed a different habit. While reading, I keep my index finger just within my peripheral vision, not over the text. During one fixation, I slightly clench my index finger against the tip of my thumb. Then, as I move to the next chunkk, I extend the index finger again while the tip of my thumb is still pressed against the index finger. This movement seems to help me transition smoothly between chunks. My concern is whether this is a useful pacing/tracking habit or whether I have created a dependency that could hurt my natural reading flow and comprehension.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? Is this a valid technique, or should I try to stop using this finger movement and train my eyes to move between chunks without any physical cue?