How to Memorize a List of Items
Being able to recall a list of items from memory is something
that appears impressive. But it isn't that difficult. All you need to do is
learn a simple memory technique.
Almost everyone who is able to memorize large lists of items
using a technique, so this isn't cheating!
The Memory Technique
In order to memorize the list, you need to attach it to
something that you already have in your memory. The easiest thing is simply a
route that you've walked or driven a long. Along this route, you need to pick
out 10 objects or landmarks.
For example, if you were walking along the street, there
might be a large tree in someone's garden, then a postbox, then a sign to
another street. Pick out 10 of these.
Attaching the items to your Memory Route
Now, when you are given a list of items, take the first item
and mentally mix it will the image of the first item on your route. For example,
if the first item is "rope" and the first place on your route is the
grass outside your house, you could imagine the rope as a snake weaving through
the grass.
To memorize the list of items effectively, you have to be
imaginative in how you combine the items with the places on your route.
A major benefit of this technique (and one that adds to the
impressive nature of it) is that you can also remember the items backwards. Just
imagine walking back through your route.
You can also scale the technique up - once you are
comfortable memorizing 10 items, try memorizing 50 items... or even memorizing
100 items!
Use all of your senses
Don't just think about memory as something you
"see". The more senses that you use (also hearing, smell, touch
and taste) the easier it will be to recall.
Test Time!
Once you have your route ready, try memorizing these 10
items in under 2 minutes. Wait another 2 minutes, then write them all
down.
Dog
Hat
Pencil
Phone
Keys
Car
Window
Grandmother
DVD
Table
|
