Has this happened to you? You called the cable company and the person on the other end of the line says "this is Steve Jones". 10 minutes after the call you say to your husband/wife "this guy" will be coming to fix the TV. Although he just mentioned his name you just can't recall it.
Don’t worry you’re not alone. This slip in memory can and does happen to any of us unless we make a conscience effort to remember the name at the time we hear it.
Here’s how to use this method:
To commit names to memory as you are speaking to a person, repeat their name back to them. By making this technique a habit will help you store the name in your “memory bank". This some procedure can be used when meeting someone in person. Adding another layer to this strategy, visualize something different, unusual, or ordinary about their appearance you can use to associate with their name.
Say you are at a networking event and you are handed a business card this is also a way to specifically remember not only their name, but what they look like – for future reference. Take the card and write descriptive information on one side of the card to help imbed more details to help add this new information permanently to your memory. Look at the card and "visualize" the attributes you assigned (for memory purposes) to a person in your mind's eye while focusing on their name.
This technique will require repetition and a little effort for it to work for you. It may take several days or weeks for you to become proficient. If we want to admit it or not, over time we have developed this "bad habit" and it won’t be fixed overnight. This simple and easy to use method works for anything worth remembering and not just for names. When there is information you need to remember jot it down. K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Sweetie) … using this system it works with a little time and concentration.
How to remember anything!
You can train your memory by just mentally assigning an image to go with the specific name/person you are trying to remember. This system works with remembering written information as well.
When reading printed material there are key words and/or key thoughts in each paragraph you can associate with an absurd or extreme illustration making the information much easier to recall boring or everyday relationships.
Here’s how it works. While you are reading through text, that less than interesting article, boring text book, or mind-numbing work related reading, select one or more key words from each complete thought and associate these items with something silly movie or photo. The goal is to actually "see" this representation it in your mind so these mundane details will be easier to recall later. So when you need to remember a particular matter, this mental "picture" should come right to you, recalling the entire thought.
With practice this method of learning through visual association should improve your ability to retain more of the information you read. The key is to "see" the "image" in your "mind". Over time with practice, once you have mastered the system, you will recall an instant flashback to the mental visualization you associated to the printed material.
Try it! It's interesting! Once you have mastered this learning technique, it should be easier to store and recall memories.
Public Speaking and Memory Tips!
The same visualization system can be used when memorizing speeches, boardroom pitches, class reports, and oral presentations, by connecting a series of ideas to a series of bizarre mental pictures in sequence. Of course proper speech preparation is half the battle. You want to know your subject as thoroughly as possible and then begin making an outline starting with the introduction, body, and conclusion. You will want to begin your presentation with something to grab the attention of your audience like an unusual statement or funny story.
While presenting your “message”, or the body of your speech, to confirm for your audience that you know your subject well. Presenting factions, illustrations, strategies, etc., sharing your position without argument.
For your conclusion you will briefly sum up and restate specific points. Tell them what you told them. Here’s the time to leave them with a lasting impression, call to action, or maybe to change their view. Leave your audience with a mental visual, it could be a joke that drives home your point, or circumstances. You want a powerful mental word image to remind them after they’ve left your meeting.
Preparation Tips:
- In large print type your outline leaving ample space between each line - so you’re able to look up and engage with your audience without losing your place on the page. For the most important points, opening and closing lines, depend on your memory.
- Rehearse your speech. Record yourself on video, make note of length of speech, the flow of thoughts, make sure key points are in order that makes sense, work out any obvious speaking challenges, like the proper pronunciation of words you find difficult.
- Become aware of, notice, and practice your body language and facial expressions. Decide when you will pace back and forth (not too much), hand gestures, or when to point out a specific point on your presentation. Don’t forget to engage your audience and keep good eye contact across the room.
- If there are going to be a question and answer session think of possible questions and prepare and appropriate response. It’s ok to think before answering, take a moment. If there is a case when you don't have an answer, you can move on and ask another question, pass it off to someone more qualified to answer in more general terms, or do like politicians – change the subject followed by giving the person asking the question a complement on how smart they are for asking the "million dollar" question, or may be tell a "clean" joke.
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