From my experience of speed reading classic novels, I actually go faster and with higher comprehension when I slow down and stop trying to comprehend.
I don't read words allowed or to myself in my head. I look at them and move forward. After a few years of doing this, I've been able to go through novels at surprising speeds. It's like I can parse an entire page and visualize everything without trying.
Also, using my finger to guide me only slows me down.
