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Memory Techniques
Here are the memory techniques around which all other memory techniques are based.
1)- The first is repetition. This is a very simple technique and probably the one most used to remember something.
However - look closely at what you're really doing when you are repeating something. You are forcing yourself to focus
attention on something. That is one of the most important steps in memorization. You forget most things simply
because you didn't remember them in the first place.
2) - The second method is by linking - linking one item to something you already know. Remember how memory works.
How often a smell can bring back the memory of a certain afternoon a long time ago. Linking or association is a way
that was devised to utilize the way memory naturally works. You're not forcing it - it's something you do naturally.
3) - Storytelling is another method. The Greeks were great for this - remember the story of Narcissus and Echo. They would
take phenomena from everyday like and create a story around it. By creating a story they are forcing your attention (see how
important that is) plus they are creating a link mechanism which I just mentioned above. All good memory techniques
play off each other and use the brain's natural memory ability. Remember - these are techniques, not tricks!
4) - Connection is another method and an extremely strong one. You are creating meaning for an item by connecting it to
something you know already. Do you have to remember somebody's address is 1225 Maiden Lane? Isn't it easier to
think Christmas (12 - 25/ December 25th) than just four separate numbers. Now we have something that has meaning.
We can take our story-telling technique and associate it to Maiden. It may take some imagination, but that just comes
with practice.
Another strong point with the Connection technique is that it allows you to utilize information you already know.
5) - Rhyming is another technique. Admittedly it takes some creative energy and a talent for forming rhymes, but if you
have that ability it is a very good way to remember things. The rhyme can have a story as well.
6) The next technique is first letter association. This is a familiar method since it's used all around us:
TGIF - Thank God It's Friday
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization
HOMES - Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior
(The Great Lakes)
First letter combinations such as the above are very powerful. Again, they force us to focus attention. They create meaning.
They allow you to reduce the amount of material you have to remember. First letters supply clues, they act as a prompt or
cue. They also give you an order to the items and tell you how many items you have to know.
Creating these acronyms does take some creative energy,
much the same as coming up with a rhyme. Not everything is
for everybody and not every technique works in every situation.
One other thing to note about acronyms - they force attention
and create meaning
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