Introduction
At National Semiconductor—an internationally respected technology firm, performance expectations are high.
Engineers are required to absorb complex technical material and apply it accurately, often under significant pressure. In such a setting, conventional reading strategies can fall short. Speedreading techniques focused on skimming are frequently insufficient for professionals working with dense, technical data.
Ed Strachar, founder of Reading Genius®, once introduced his method to a group of high-performing professionals. He suggested he could help them engage with full pages at a time, enhance understanding, and improve retention through unconventional yet structured approaches.
Initially, there was hesitation.
Engineers are trained to be analytical, data-driven, and cautious with unverified claims. But according to attendees, after just one session, some participants reported a noticeable shift in how they processed information.
The Challenge
Martin Crowe, an experienced corporate training manager and team leader, was among those initially skeptical.
In a precision-driven environment like National Semiconductor, reading isn’t just about speed—it requires accuracy. A misinterpreted technical document can have significant consequences.
So when Ed introduced his approach—emphasizing visualization, peripheral engagement, and posture-based learning—it sounded unfamiliar, even unconventional. Ed described it as going beyond traditional speedreading techniques.
Martin remained courteous but skeptical—until something unexpected happened during the session.
The Reported Breakthrough
As Martin followed the exercises—standing, breathing, and focusing as instructed—he experienced something that he described as surprising.
“Not line by line but a third of the page was ‘popping’ into my brain instantly.”
He clarified that it wasn’t skimming, speedreading, or scanning—it felt like something entirely different.
In his own words, later recorded in a video testimonial, he described it as a “notable change in perception.”
Reading no longer felt tedious; it became smoother and more intuitive.
Martin reported that his reading pace increased substantially, and that his comprehension improved.
Following this, others in the room began expressing interest and engaging more deeply with the method.
The Reading Genius® Framework
Unlike many speedreading systems that focus on eye movement acceleration and discourage subvocalization, Reading Genius® positions itself as a holistic learning methodology.
According to Ed Strachar, the method aims to reengage the brain’s natural intelligence by activating both hemispheres, integrating emotional and kinesthetic awareness, and supporting subconscious cognition.
Reported outcomes include:
- Increased engagement with material
- Higher retention of information
- Less fatigue during extended reading
Martin Crowe’s reaction, while notable, was not described as an isolated case. Others present shared similar feedback, emphasizing improved clarity and engagement.
Integration in a Tech Environment
What appeared to resonate with the team at National Semiconductor was that the Reading Genius® method was adaptable across various departments—not just engineers, but project managers, marketing staff, and R&D teams.
Rather than focusing solely on faster reading speeds, the approach encouraged individuals to align reading with their neurological strengths.
According to those who adopted it, the method supported:
- More efficient meetings
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced decision-making
It was framed less as a skillset upgrade, and more as a mindset and learning shift.
A Whole-System Approach
Traditional learning focuses heavily on visual processing and cognitive analysis.
Reading Genius®, as described by its creator, introduces several components intended to work in harmony:
- Peripheral Vision Expansion
- Emotional-State Conditioning
- Rhythmic Learning with Music
- Visualization and Pattern Recognition
- Absorption-State Techniques
In short, the program positions itself as a form of cognitive development, not just a reading method.
Testimonial Insights
Martin Crowe’s experience was captured in a video available on the ReadingGenius.com website.
In it, he explains his reaction during and after the session, expressing that years of traditional training felt shifted after just one application of the method.
Others present during the session have echoed this experience, describing moments of increased awareness and ease while reading.
The event, which began as a seminar, evolved into what some attendees considered a memorable learning session.
About Ed Strachar
Before creating Reading Genius®, Ed Strachar was recognized as an electronics engineer. He co-invented a patented aerospace chip (U.S. Patent 4805137), and his early career involved high-precision technical design work.
This foundation in engineering reportedly informed how he built his learning methodology.
Reading Genius®, as he explains it, is not designed for inspirational purposes alone—it is structured for application, performance, and the learning demands of data-heavy environments.
From Skepticism to Curiosity
One key development during the National Semiconductor session was a reported shift in mindset.
Engineers—who are often analytical and hesitant to accept non-traditional methodologies—began to express interest once peers, like Martin, shared their experience.
As more participants joined in, feedback began shifting from doubt to curiosity.
Many attendees reported improved clarity, better recall, and reduced fatigue after reading.
In that moment, what initially sounded “alternative” began to feel like a potentially valuable cognitive strategy.
Extending Into Company Culture
Following the session, some departments began incorporating parts of the method into everyday routines.
Pre-meeting visualization, background music during focus blocks, and altered onboarding structures became more common.
The objective wasn’t to adopt a one-size-fits-all system, but to experiment with techniques that aligned with how different team members processed information.
This was less about reading faster, and more about learning smarter.
Why It May Be Relevant Today
In a digital world where professionals are bombarded with dense content, reading has evolved from a basic skill to a critical performance asset.
Whether you’re reviewing compliance documents, scientific papers, or market analysis, slow reading can create bottlenecks.
Conventional speedreading often prioritizes speed at the expense of understanding.
Reading Genius®, by contrast, promotes deeper absorption alongside improved pace—according to its users.
As work demands grow and attention becomes a premium resource, techniques that support sustained engagement and clarity are increasingly valuable.
Does It Last? Repetition and Retention
Martin Crowe himself acknowledged that he drifted from the practice after a while.
However, when Ed reintroduced the exercises—including what he refers to as “Brain Power drills”—Martin reported the same cognitive response.
“Once I re-engaged with the method, that third-of-the-page absorption started happening again,” he shared.
This supports the idea that, like any mental skill, retention may depend on consistent application.
Who Is Ed Strachar?
Ed Strachar began as an electronics engineer, later integrating his background with research in human potential, learning psychology, and energy work.
As co-inventor of a U.S.-patented chip used by agencies like NASA and NATO, his foundation lies in high-stakes environments where precision is paramount.
Over the years, Ed developed Reading Genius® to merge neuroscience, emotional learning, and whole-body cognition.
He has taught the method to a wide audience: students, professionals, and even cadets from institutions such as West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Reading Genius® is offered both in person and through online training at ReadingGenius.com.
Final Thoughts
Reading Genius® is not positioned as a magic solution or a replacement for traditional methods.
Instead, it offers tools and frameworks that may benefit learners open to exploring alternative cognitive techniques.
Its reported success at organizations like National Semiconductor suggests potential value for professionals facing high volumes of reading and decision-making.
Visit the Reading Genius® website to view Martin Crowe’s full testimonial and explore training options.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or cognitive training advice. Individual results with the Reading Genius® method may vary. The experiences shared are personal accounts and not guaranteed outcomes. Always consult a qualified professional before beginning any learning, therapeutic, or cognitive enhancement program.
