How can you
improve your memory?

Do you believe you can improve your memory?

Why would you want to?

It can be embarrassing when we are talking to someone and we cannot remember their name.

We can though apply some simple memory improvement techniques which can overcome these lapses.

Reinforcing names during the conversation can be done in several ways.

Firstly repeat the name when you have been introduced and then reuse it during the conversation.

If it is an unusual name ask how it is spelt and are you pronouncing it right.

To be able to remember the name long term you will need to do some word and picture association.

As you say the name picture something which looks like or rhymes, Jones and bones, Bill and hill and there you have a picture of a hill of bones, Bill Jones.

Believe me try it, it works.

Be careful not to say your rhyme out load too often some people get a bit too sensitive.

Our short term memory works on electrical signals and compare it to a note pad it only has an ability to keep so many thoughts available for recall.

If you are average it will be between five and seven items, these are constantly being replaced as new items slip into your memory.

Our long term memory stores items differently and emotional triggers are attached which make it easy to recall and the storage of these is chemically based.

There is more memory and recall is emotionally triggered. A good example of this is when things don’t go to plan we get upset and our brain quickly finds similar occasions when we suffered setbacks and then we conclude this always happens why do I bother?

We are given a choice though we can chose not to agree with this memory recall and tell ourselves this is a new experience and we are learning something new and we can do things differently and have a successful outcome.

We all want to improve our memory and why not reinforce positive thinking?

Tony Buzan - The Master of Memory