Complex stimuli (such as colors, structures, language, emotions) are processed in our brains through our senses (sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing). We place a picture of what is around us in our minds through the use of stigmatization and our memories store all of this in the short term. If we need to make it a permanent fixture, and give it a resting place, we need to find a way to move it from short to long-term memory. If you do this and improve your memory. Of course this is the art of memorization or the art of memory training
The art of memorization is a learned skill. Some are able to do it easier than others, but it does take practice, determination and focus. Memorizing skills are an art, acquired with the desire to improve your ability to recall the information you want to keep. The art of memorization is often referred to as mnemonics, a method of recalling difficult to remember information. The principle behind mnemonics is to make use of as much of your brain as possible to setting up a code to process the information.
The three fundamental principles underlying the use of mnemonics are imagination, association and location. Working together, you can use these principles to generate powerful mnemonic systems.
There are many theories as to how to make memorizing easier, such as purchasing a cd on memory training; employing a memory expert such as myself to help you with the basics; or you can take classes in speed reading and other memory techniques. These are all useful ideas that can benefit you immensely, but in the end YOU have to find the best way for you to learn to improve your memory with memory training.
The learning style you use does have an affect on the sort of mnemonics that can be considered. Most people learn using more than one style, and few are exclusive to any one. Approximately 65% of the population are Visual learners, who are more receptive to mnemonics, but auditory learners can adjust by substituting auditory cues in place of visual ones. Kinesthetic learners can use their imagination to perform plays or actions, as well as use memory tools to base their memory techniques or memory palace.
The key idea is to use vivid mental images and then code the information and its structure in order to store it. Points that make things easier to remember, no matter what learning style you use:
§ Understand what you are trying to remember
§ Make the images vivid and colorful
§ Create pleasant and positive images
§ Inject humor as often as possible. We remember more with humor.
§ Take notes and write things down you want to remember
§ Teach it to someone else. If you can do that you understand it, and it will solidify it in your mind
§ Try creating a simple formula that will make it easier to remember
§ Relate what you want to remember to your own experiences
§ Break things down into smaller segments instead of trying to remember everything at once
I hope this has been some help in showing you different ideas that can help you improve your memory. This is Ron White, two-time USA Memory Champion , memory training expert, and memory keynote speaker.
Sources:
Strategies for Success — Study Skills Memory Techniques: http://www.alamo.edu/sac/history/Keller/accditg/ssmt.htm
Mind Tools — Memory Improvement Techniques: http://www.mindtools.com/memory.html
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