How To Improve Your Memory Through Mnemonics

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Mnemonics allows you to remember difficult and complex details which makes it useful when trying to learn how to improve the memory. The technique involves the use of acronyms, rhymes and so on in order to augment memory retrieval.

How to improve the Memory using Mnemonics

Using songs and rhymes

If you want to recollect the days in each month of the year then the best thing to use is the "30 days hath September" rhyme. The best thing about music is the fact that it allows one to easily retrieve information. If you're sitting next to person while humming a song, the other person might not understand what you're trying to accomplish but it will be very useful for you in recalling whatever it is that you wish to remember. Retention of something that is humorous and strange is easier which is why mnemonics are particularly useful. Advertisers figured this out pretty early. When shopping in the market, if you look at a product you will definitely be able to recall any song or rhyme that goes with it.

Acronyms

A particular human brain has the ability to decipher and sift through information based upon smell, sight, sound, color and the like which eventually leads to memory increase. The info decoded by our brain then transforms it into the model of the world that we see around us. Basically, this information is stored within our memories. Try to think of the world cloud and what it brings to your mind? Probably something white and fluffy. Just like the ability of your brain to create associations, you can employ mnemonics in this situation to help you recall things. SCUBA is yet another mnemonic. Each letter signifies a distinctive word. Basically, it is an acronym that stipulates equipment used to breathe underwater.

Word Mnemonics/Acrostics

People also employ mnemonics when trying to remember something as complex as the planets of the universe and in the order that they exist. Basically, the planets are positioned in this manner: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Now, take the first letter of every planet name and try to develop a sentence using those letters. Maybe this example will suffice for you: My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Noodles. Try to be as natural as you can while developing mnemonics since they have to communicate with your brain. On the other hand, negative associations and the like are much harder to recall. Thus, your mnemonic should be positive and thereby assist you in quickly learning how to improve the memory.

Image Mnemonics

In essence, image mnemonics denote pictures that can point you in the right direction. A lot of people attempt to create an image of a particular memory within their minds to help them retrieve. Students use this method a lot because it helps them in their studies. In order to retain these images, they are drawn on lectures and slides by students who then are able to store them within their memory. Just make sure that you know what the meaning of the sketch is. Another method stresses upon the fact that the image that you're developing should be as memorable or noteworthy as possible. Most people use comical pictures; people do not forget ridiculous incidents.

Also, you can use acronyms in conjunction with images. To quote an example, BAT is actually an acronym for Barbiturates, Alcohol and Tranquilizers. In order to remember this, try thinking of a depressed bat. You can also use images to retrieve people's names. A person like John Horsely would be more easily remembered if you were to think of a horse's head while attempting to recall his name.

Chaining/Linking

In essence, chaining can be defined as using words to form a story. Unlike acrostics, chaining incorporates the usage of words that bring more reliability and consistency to the entire story. When trying to memorize a long list of items particular in a specific order, you should use chaining.

Therefore, mnemonics allow individuals to remember things that would normally be difficult to retain. Does not matter whether you are a student or a person who is employed, mnemonics might be just what you need.

An excellent site for memory improvement is www.memory-improvement-tricks.com.


About the Author:
Paul Rogers is a memory improvement expert based out of Miami, FL, USA. For more information on how to improve the memory go to his site www.memory-improvement-tricks.com where you can sign up for a free mini course on memory improvement and much more.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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