Loading ...Memory Aid: Learn The Mnemonics Basics
This article is a continuation on the subject of memory. Mnemonics is a type of memory system that the Greeks created long ago to help people with their recall memory. Mnemonics uses different types of techniques such as acronyms, diagrams, rhymes and rules to help in the recall of dates, facts, figures, names and phone numbers. The whole idea behind mnemonics is to make difficult information easier to recall.
I will reveal all the popular techniques with descriptions and examples. The more you practice each technique, the more effectively you will use them. With enough practice and effort, you may be able to have a memory as good as a 180 IQ student. These kids with high IQ aren’t born smart, they just know how to use their memory. The key point is to code your information using vivid mental images. Because the images are vivid, they are easy to recall when you need them. Remember my first article about improving your memory? The more emotions and descriptions you put into what you want to remember, the easier the recall.
You can do many things to make your mnemonics more memorable. First of all, you need to use pleasant images because your brain often blocks out the unpleasant ones, causing you to have trouble remembering. Second, use vivid, colorful and sensory images. You remember better if you describe the taste and feel of a particular event. Third, you can give your image three dimensions. The movement through space will make it more vivid to remember. The fourth way that helps out with memory is using exaggeration. Who can’t remember the cover of James and the Giant Peach? Fifth, add some humor and make your memory funny. Sixth, make up a rhyme or rap song that doesn’t make sense. Finally, make use of the symbols we see in our everyday lives such as the stop sign, sports logos and the bathroom sign for men.
Ok, this is how you create your own custom mnemonics to help you with your own studies. They consist of imagination, association and location. When all three work together, you create an unstoppable and powerful memory.
The first step is to use your imagination and make it memorable so that it will stick in your mind for later recall. You can use any imagery you want from the list that we discussed before.
The next step is to associate the two images by imagining crazy things such as placing them on top of each other, merging them with Super Mario Bros., crashing them into your Toyota Camry, cutting them with your Craftsman saw, having them dance together, wrap them around each other or fighting each other. The possibilities are endless.
Finally, you can make a list from locations. For example, the most effective is to use the home you have lived in for the longest time. That way you know where all the items are in a particular room in the house. You can start at the front door and name off all the items counter clockwise as you see it such as sofa, table, lamp, flat screen TV. Then move into the other rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. Now you can link your images to each item in your house. By following these techniques, you will be well on your way to having a super powerful memory.
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Tags: association, five senses, greeks, imagination, location, Memory Improvement, mnemonics
