Memory recall techniques
The aim of being one step ahead of the game can be much improved with memory recall techniques, whether it’s being able to reel off the names of your favorite winning team players, or just be able to go to the supermarket and remember what it was you went there for! We all have our deficiencies when it comes to remembering things and these lapses have varying effects on our lives. Forgetting names is a very common memory issue and can often have significant social repercussions. The only way around this is by either complicating your life with a myriad of devices both electronic and written, or by increasing short term memory.
In any case these devices are unlikely to be much help when standing amongst a circle of peer at an important business meeting and not being able to address anyone in the group as you can’t remember their names! – Never mind the embarrassment you might feel when put on the spot and asked to introduce somebody whose name you cannot recall. It’s a classic comedy routine watching somebody trying to recover the situation without some form of ridicule or shame.
Memory recall techniques – Memory upgrade
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential damage that can occur socially when poor short-term memory leaves you stranded. Not only would increasing short-term memory capabilities prevents these social mishaps, but it would also open you up to a much improved quality of life by being more in control of your daily situations and not having to rely on devices to do so for you. What most of us need is a memory upgrade. Similar to computers, add more memory get more processing power. More processing power for us humans means an increased ability to effectively manage life. Through some simple memory recall techniques you’ll be able to visit the supermarket without a written list, meet new people and remember who they are when you meet them again, save time in your day by not having to keep lists, Post-It notes, masses of electronic reminders and other data that seems to be required to maintain modern life. So how do we go about increasing short-term memory? There are a number of techniques depending on what type of information you are trying retain.
Create a story
In fact there are quite a few ways that one can go about increasing short-term memory. Some methods include associating numbers with objects then creating stories that include those objects in sequence allowing numbers to be recalled from memory. Make a little storyboard in your mind. For instance, if you have to go to the grocery store and have a few things to pick up. In your mind envision yourself walking through the grocery store, and picking up those items before your do it. Why will this help? Because it activates more parts of your brain. You will be stimulating visual centers in addition to other centers of your brain to help you remember.
Mnemonics
Mnemonics are extremely powerful memory helpers. Basically what they do is provide a prompt for your brain. Prompts are key when trying to remember things. Don’t you find that sometimes when you forget something, that it only takes a small prompt to have all the information rush back into your mind? We have all gone through this. Mnemonics make this easy. So if you have to give a speech or prepare for a test, use your mnemonics!
Memory techniques mostly involve mnemonics and word association in combination with contextual chaining. All of these memory recall techniques are useful in increasing short-term memory, all that’s required is a little application and patience and it’ll all come to you in the end.