Anthony Metivier's Blog, page 7

How to Rewire Your Brain and Boost Memory With Neuroplasticity

If you want to know how to rewire your brain, rest assured:

You absolutely can do this.

But you’ve got to avoid the charlatans.

Far too many people are shilling “tricks” and “tips” for rewiring your neural pathways that just don’t work.

That’s because they don’t follow a simple rule I’ll share with you today.

Of course, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy.

And that’s the catch the sharks in the water don’t want you to know.

But I will share with you the pros, the cons and some of the ways that make it possible for you to stretch your brain cells, even if it feels challenging.

Because that’s one of the other secrets that’s usually hidden from you:

Neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells and neuroplasticity, the changing of the brain?

Both require challenge. You literally do have to stretch yourself.

But when you take certain challenges on willingly, there’s no ceiling to how much you can improve the quality of your mind and mental abilities.

Ready for what really works?

Let’s get started!

Rewiring Neural Pathways: Can You Change Your Brain?

It sounds like science fiction.

But countless neuroscientists and other professionals have shown that you literally can change the physical characteristics of your brain simply by thinking.

This is the core premise of John Arden’s Rewire Your Brain: Think Your Way To A Better Life.

The title of this book refers to psychologist Donald Hebb’s famous finding that “Neurons that fire together wire together.”

This statement has been validated by scientists countless times and is now known as Hebb’s Law or Hebbian theory.

Sharon Begley has done great work in showing how the ancient sages were right and why meditation literally changes the brain. Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain is a great study that includes research about how to increase neuroplasticity through meditation.

I’ve personally experienced the benefits described by Begley and other researchers like the authors of How Enlightenment Changes Your Brain. I wrote up my experiences in The Victorious Mind and shared them at a TEDx event.

Long story short: Yes, you can change your brain.

Why It’s Possible to Increase Neuroplasticity After Trauma

According to Dr. Tim Dalgleish, it really comes down to intervention.

For example, he and his research teams have studied using memory-based interventions for depression and PTSD.

I didn’t know about these studies until after my own depression improved after using the same method of loci and Memory Palace interventions they used in their studies.

And my student Nic Castle also reported relief from his PTSD. I was so inspired by the survivor story he shared on the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I wrote an entire “Memory Detective” novel that is influenced by it. (Nic was a police officer.)

Example Of An Intervention That Created Positive Neuroplasticity

After reading Tim Dalgleish’s research, I followed his suggestion and created a simple Memory Palace with 10 positive memories.

These work to “defang” negative memories because when you experience them, you intervene by using the Memory Palace to think of happy memories instead.

I found this technique so useful, I went one step further by choosing a home from my youth that was packed with bad memories.

But instead of filling it with bad memories, I filled by memorizing positive poetry written in Sanskrit.

Since going through this exercise, it’s now possible for me to think about those experiences without re-traumatizing myself. My brain has been “rewired.”

But it did take an intervention.

And that’s the catch if you want to enjoy a rewired brain.

You need some kind of behavioral interruption.

Good news:

I’ve got a bunch of activities that will give you exactly these kinds of positive interruptions, plus another essential ingredient. Just keep reading.

6 Methods to Rewire Your Brain for Memory Improvement

As we go through this list of ways that you can enjoy the benefits of neuroplastic changes to your brain, keep challenge in mind.

As all of the books and studies I’ve cited above show, taking on some kind of mental challenge is the key.

But there’s another key that has been shown extensively by performance experts like James Clear.

This ingredient is called time.

Typically, when we want to experience meaningful change that lasts, we need at least 90-days of practice.

Why?

Well, it takes that long for the brain to form new neural pathways. There are also brain chemicals involved, such as myelin. An excellent and highly readable study that condenses all the science is Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code.

So keep in mind that challenge over time is the special sauce that makes everything I’m about to share with you tick. Without taking on the challenge and giving the challenges the necessarily time to form new neural connections in your brain, it’s unlikely that you will experience the changes you seek.

But use a tool like a simple journal or notebook, and you will succeed and become a whole new version of yourself. Someone with a brain of steel!

One: Neurobics

For most people, the easiest way to get started is a simple set of activities called neurobics.

It’s basically aerobics for your brain.

A simple example is writing with your non-dominant hand. This challenges parts of your brain that you don’t normally use.

Provided you have someone to observe you, you can also practice walking backwards or walking with your eyes closed.

Taking different routes also counts as neurobics. It’s worth taking up these practices to help revivify your brain and form new neuronal connections.

Two: Learn New Skills

We’ve all heard that learning music is great for the brain.

But do you really have to learn new skills that challenging to enjoy neural benefits?

No. You can also build upon abilities you already have.

For example, you probably already know how to bounce a ball and you know how to use a hammer.

But can you bounce a ball on a hammer?

That’s a new skill that is like a game and builds your brain.

Or you can take up fun activities like card magic, and perhaps even learn how to use a memdeck.

Finally, you can build upon your existing math skills and learn to perform mental calculations.

Adding challenges based on your current skills is a great way to stimulate your brain.

Three: Learn A Language

Many studies show that bilingualism changes the brain in positive ways.

In fact, scientists are actively working on ways to make sure this message reaches the larger public. That’s because language learning creates cognitive reserve.

This special benefit helps protect your brain from diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. So if you aren’t already learning a language, please get started soon.

(You’ll need to spend more than 90-days for full fluency, but it will be worth it. And even just 90-days will give you many benefits, especially if you use a language learning Memory Palace.)

Four: Play Challenging Games

Most of us know that playing games provides a certain level of cognitive training.

The trick is to find solid brain games and game-like brain exercises that legitimately challenge you.

Dr. Christine Till is one scientist who has studied some of the apps that claim to provide benefits through gamification. But like me, she’s skeptical.

Crossword puzzles aren’t necessarily the ticket either, as my research into them has shown.

Ultimately, you need to experiment and keep in mind the exact kind of brain rewiring you’re after. Then it will be easier to find games that suit.

Five: Read & Write

Scientists study how reading changes the brain with great gusto.

Although there’s still much to be understood, the reality is that reading transforms the brain in many positive ways.

But it’s not just about reading alone. Writing also helps.

As memory expert Lynne Kelly has shown in books like Memory Craft and The Memory Code, writing has historically been key to the ways we remember.

So I suggest finding a balance between learning how to legitimately read faster and effective note taking.

Six: Use Memory Techniques

My personal favorite method for keeping my neural pathways strong involves using memory techniques.

These are useful when meeting people and .

Or you can use them to remember lists using simple rhymes.

I teach ways to use mnemonics much more broadly for what I call “holistic memory improvement.”

That means using memory techniques as part of meditation, diet, goal-setting and everything we’ve talked about above related to skills acquisition and language learning.

If you’d like my FREE course on how to get started, just click the image below:

Please just remember that although it’s free, it will challenge you and I do suggest at least 90-days of practice for best results.

And that’s the key takeaway worth repeating.

You see, there are all kinds of things that can negatively rewire your brain and we have no problem doing them repeatedly for very long periods of time.

I’m talking about eating horrible foods that cause memory loss instead of memory friendly meals.

So always remember that to make changes, you need to challenge yourself.

And the first challenge is being willing to make the change. Positive changes might not be easy, but they’re definitely the most rewarding.

That’s what this blog is all about, so what do you say?

Are you ready to rewire your brain and live a better life?

Make it happen!

How to Retain Information Quickly: 11 Powerful Study Tips

If you want to know how to retain information quickly, we can boil the process down to one simple term:

Strategic repetition. 

Now, I realize you’ve come to this blog about memory techniques to get rid of repetition. 

I’m sorry. That’s not how it works. 

We always need to repeat what we want to remember. In fact, why remember something at all if you don’t need to repeat it? 

The key differences with strategic repetition vs. rote repetition are these. Strategic repetition is always:

FunCreativeSkills boostingScientifically proven

Even if some repetition will always be necessary for learning, it doesn’t have to be painful. And you often won’t have to repeat nearly as much if you get it right.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odoiu...

So if learning how to retain knowledge in ways that are engaging and stimulating strikes you as a good thing, stick around. On this page, we’re taking a deep dive into ways to retain information that you’re going to love.

Why Can’t I Retain Information? The Surprising Truth

The reason why most people can’t retain information is that they simply haven’t trained themselves to do it. 

That means it’s not IQ.

It’s not genes. 

It’s not laziness.

It’s simply learning how to use memory techniques and then practicing them consistently.

We can take it a step further:

People who can’t learn quickly and recall information on demand not only fail to use memory techniques. They haven’t trained their procedural memory so that they use them almost on autopilot.

You cannot “mind read” books. Use proper study and memory improvement techniques instead.

You see, anyone can learn about memory techniques. But without practicing them consistently enough so they become second nature, all that information is just data. 

The science here is very simple. We’re basically looking at five kinds of brain processes that you just need to link together:

Encoding information strategically using elaborative encodingDecoding information strategically using active recallSerial positioning with the primacy effect and recency effectsHabit formation so that you start using the strategies automaticallyUsing scientifically valid chunking methods to group and review information

We’ll pick up each of these scientific matters in greater detail as we go along. With each tip I’ll share, you’ll discover simple ways to harness the power of each principle. 

How to Retain Information Quickly: 11 Proven Study Tips1: Use Exaggerated Associations

The fancy, scientific term for using exaggerated association is “elaborative encoding.”

But you might be wondering… what is an association?

Good question. It’s one of the most powerful mnemonic devices you can use.

Basically, you’re going to look at the target information and find something you can connect to it. 

For example, if you need to memorize someone’s name, you’ll look at the first couple of letters. When I met someone with the complex name Gangador Dianand, I just thought about a “gang” first. 

Next, I associated that sound with a rap band known to dress as gang members. Then I had them bang on a door. 

Using a rap band as a mnemonic device while studying helps you retain information in a fun and engaging way.

That’s the association part. The elaborative encoding part is when you imagine those gang members larger than life and hear the sound of that banging extremely loud. (In your imagination, of course.)

It’s this process of exaggerating the association that makes it so memorable. And that’s what helps with the next tip.

2: Use a Memory Palace

When you want to retain info, you need to revisit it. You can do that using flashcards or Anki, but typically the Memory Palace technique is preferable.

This special mnemonic device is just a mental recreation of a building you’re familiar with and can easily bring to mind. After elaborating information, you place it in this mental device and then revisit it strategically to usher the information into long-term memory efficiently.

Here’s an example: 

Let’s say you need to memorize some details on a map. If you use Natalie Portman and Art Spiegelman to memorize that Spain and Portugal share a border.

First, you exaggerate an interaction between them. Then you place that association in a room.

Later, to practice what memory neuroscientists like Boris Konrad call “active recall,” you revisit that area in the room and simply ask yourself:

What was happening there? 

If you’ve made the association exaggerated enough, your two characters should come to mind and the letters in their names should trigger the target information.

And yes, this strategy is scientifically proven. Studies have shown that when you put down your textbook and practice recalling information you’ve elaborated, you will improve your ability to recall it better.

3: Test Yourself Strategically

In order to properly benefit from active recall, it’s important that you test yourself. 

Unfortunately, a lot of people cheat. They try recalling the information for a second or two, and then give up, exposing themselves to the answer.

That’s called rote repetition. It’s painful, boring and rarely helps with retaining information. You want to use the best possible mnemonic strategies instead.

However, if you have a journal or piece of paper in front of you and the target information is nowhere in sight, cheating is impossible.

Then, when you write out what you memorized using exaggerated association, you get the benefits of active recall.

Even if you make mistakes, you’ll still train your short-term and long-term memory to work better. Over time, you’ll get stronger and stronger.

4: Interleave

A lot of people “force” themselves to get through one book at a time.

I have a PhD, two MAs and a BA and I can tell you this:

I never do this.

Instead, I take many breaks while reading or taking courses and strategically “interleave” my study material.

This term means that you take breaks often and switch things up. By reading more than one book at a time, you switch from a focused state to the “diffuse mode,” which gives your brain space to remember more.

The research on this goes back at least as far as Karl Duncker who wrote a book about the psychology of productive thinking back in 1935.

More recently, Barbara Oakley has featured contemporary data that substantiates these findings in her famous course, Learning How to Learn.

(Dr. Oakley’s course is also a printed guide and one of the 3 best speed reading books in the world.)

5: Use Proper Reading Techniques

I just mentioned speed reading, but be careful. There’s a lot of garbage you’ll come across in that world. 

For example, most of what you’ll read about reducing subvocalization is a farce. Worse, skimming vs scanning strategies are usually poorly understood.

The broad strokes of learning how to read faster boil down to this:

Have goals, missions and systems that help you frame and stick with a focused reading programLearn to use “priming”Extract information strategically (see How to Memorize a Textbook)Use memory techniques to recall the informationMake sure you test yourself using the active recall strategy discussed above (without cheating)6: Improve Your Reading Comprehension Skills

The first way to understand better is to change your definition of comprehension.

Many people toss their hands up in the air the instant something doesn’t make sense—like in the process of learning a new language or a difficult subject. 

This is an incorrect approach because we read challenging material so that we might understand better. Without challenge, there is no growth.

Instead, learn the best reading comprehension strategies and practice them consistently. For example, I used to look up on charts and grafts and give up on them completely.

By redrawing charts and graphs, you not only improve memory retention, but also comprehension.

Now, I draw them with my own hand to understand them better. This step is essential because not only do I understand them better. I also remember more.

7: Mind Map

Mind mapping helps you retain information, especially when you revisit your maps strategically. 

For example, Phil Chambers has given the excellent suggestion that you revisit each map at least ten times. Leave a Roman Numeral each time you do so you can remember where you are at in the revisiting sequence. 

But… what is mind mapping? Put simply, it’s a graphical means of simplifying key ideas using colors, images and keywords. 

Let’s say you want to memorize words in a foreign language. A mind map is a great way to do it. I rapidly retained information about cooking in German, for example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I7h9...

Here are more mind map examples you can model.

Mind mapping works as one of the best ways to retain information if you optimize it for that purpose. So I suggest using the Phil Chambers tip I just shared to make that happen. 

Mind mapping is an incredible wait to retain more information quickly.

8: Write Summaries

We know that we need active recall to remember quicker and with greater longevity. But we also need to percolate information and make connections.

Writing summaries is one of the best ways to do that. And it doesn’t have to take long.

I suggest keeping a notebook just for summaries of your reading. Commit at least half a page for each book you read and pour out what you remembered in at least 2-5 sentences. 

With a small amount of practice, this incredibly simple habit will be the portal to remembering a lot more, much faster. And the best part is that it helps with making connections between different books you read as well.

9: Group Discussion

As with summarization, a great way to practice active recall is to speak with others about what you’re reading.

Frankly, I’m puzzled by why people would read anything they weren’t going to have conversations about. But it happens.

If you’re having trouble remembering what you read, join discussion forums. Go to meetup groups. Or just run past the ideas from what you’re reading with friends. 

Frequent discussion is key if you want to absorb more information and maintain it in your memory.

If you really can’t find others to converse with, speak the key points out loud, either to a pet or to yourself in the shower. The point is to verbalize what you’ve read in your own words. This helps you remember much faster and without a ton of repetition.

10: Meditate Your Way To Better Memory

It might seem like meditating is far flung from improving your memory.

However, many studies show just how profound meditation is for concentration and focus. Others show how people of many different ages experience improved recall from just four short meditation sessions per week.

Add yoga to the mix for more scientific proof that these traditions prove the best way to retain information without having to learn a bunch of memory techniques.

11: Study Your Personal Rhythms To Maximize Them

I know a guy who used to beat himself up for not being a morning person. 

In When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, Daniel Pink reveals the conclusions from over 700 studies. 

It turns out that only 15% of the population performs well during the morning. 

Finding your best time of day is highly personal. Explore with a spirit of experimentation.

This means that a huge percentage of people would learn better at different times of day, including later in the evening. In fact, some people remember far more when they study before bed.

How do you find out?

Experiment and track your results. 

If you’re willing to keep a journal for a few weeks, you can work out your optimal times for learning and choose them. 

Of course, there’s a catch. (Isn’t there always?)

Your best times of day can and probably will change as you age or as factors around you evolve. 

This means you’ll want to keep testing and journaling while being willing to pivot throughout your life. 

The Ultimate Tip For Retaining Information

Another word for the willingness to pivot is “flexibility.” 

Flexibility is the key to improving memory retention.

When you combine all the tips I’ve shared with you today, your memory is going to be incredibly flexible. And it will always trend towards higher and higher levels of improvement, even as you age. 

Since most of us want to be lifelong learners, this should not be an issue.

Keep practicing the approaches I’ve shared on this page. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover even more interesting and powerful ways to make learning easier and fun. 

After all, the more you can remember, the more interesting and fun things become. And the more you learn, the more you can learn. That’s thanks to the power of connection, which is truly the most rewarding memory technique we’ve got. 

So what do you say? Are you excited to get out there and learn more using enhanced memory abilities?

If so, why not grab this free memory improvement course and learn more about how to improve your ability to recall information over the long term?

The 3 Best Teas for Memory, Focus, Concentration & Brain Health

Can tea help your memory and improve your focus?

Maybe.

But you have to be careful.

That’s because a lot of people throw out scientific studies.

You read them and think: “That’s the tea for me.”

But those studies don’t show you all the nuances you need to drink tea safely.

See, various teas for concentration or focus interact with other supplements you might be taking and can wind up making things worse. Or, they can interact with your diet overall.

So in this post, we’re going to look at the truth about tea for better memory and brain health.

It’s easy to understand and the information I’ve researched and tested personally will help you make better choices overall.

The Best Tea for Memory, Studying, Focus, and More

Let’s start by approaching the topic counterintuitively:

What’s better?

A tea you add that stimulates focus?

Or a tea that helps remove distractions so that you can focus?

The answer to this question is ultimately something only you can determine. And you do that through experimentation.

Ultimately, the fact of the matter is that many teas have L-theanine, which studies have shown makes you feel more peaceful.

In other words, this substance takes away the feeling of unrest more than it adds focus or concentration.

In fact, Murray Carpenter reported in his book Caffeinated that Starbucks added L-theanine to its coffee to prevent people from getting too buzzed, which in some contexts means too focused and concentrated.

But how you feel is not necessarily the same as being able to focus or concentrate in a way that helps you learn faster and remember more.

Only taking specific actions do that. And that’s why I suggest you learn about tea for memory through experimentation and thinking about what you add vs. what you take away.

Because the truth is that you can often increase your focus by not drinking any teas at all.

That said, I do drink tea and I’ll explain why it has personally been the most effective for me. Let’s get started.

One: Personalized Chinese Herbal Tea

As I mentioned in my study of herbs for memory and focus, everything comes down to removing pain and discomfort.

Since I have chronic pain that leads to brain fog when left untreated, I go to a Chinese Medicine practitioner almost every week.

The tea I’m given is personalized based on where my health stands on a week-to-week basis. And we always check that the tea I’m drinking works in conjunction with my diet overall. That way, there are no problematic interactions.

I’ve had interaction issues in the past, such as when two supplements created confusion, so I’m glad I now get help in order to reduce chronic pain issues.

You need to take these things in consideration for yourself as well – based on every tea you try and how it may interact with everything else you eat and drink.

Two: Matcha Green Tea

Many people have cited straight up green tea as a memory booster.

However, I’ve found better results anecdotally from matcha. And although longest term studies have only been done on mice, they prove the basic point that other dietary considerations matter. In brief, the mice showed better memory only when the matcha was combined with other foods in their overall diet.

But why else might matcha be better than green tea for memory?

Matcha has been shown to have more L-theanine than standard green tea. These higher levels are likely brought out during the detailed preparation process proper matcha goes through.

That said, one study has shown that your working memory could potentially benefit from green tea extract on its own. I tried taking green tea extract for a few months to conduct an n=1 test, but I did not experience any positive results with my memory.

But I did notice bad skin issues as a result of taking green tea extract.

But green tea supplements might work for you. You’ll just have to experiment and keep track of the results.

Three: Yerba Mata

I was first introduced to Yerba Mata while visiting memory expert Jonathan Levi in Tel-Aviv.

As I looked into it, I found studies that show why it works.

First, it helps reduce the destruction of your neurons as you age.

But it can also help prevent negative memories from distracting you while you’re trying to focus your mind.

And that’s undoubtedly while I felt so focused while hanging out with Jonathan and drinking this tea with him for weeks on end.

Here again you see the key principle at play:

It’s not so much about what these teas for focus add. It’s about what they take away.

Tea For Brain Health

When it comes to your personal development, you really do have to experiment.

All of the teas I’ve mentioned on this page have been tested by myself personally.

As mentioned, the biggest consideration I would suggest you make regards interactions between the teas you drink and other substances.

Always remember: there’s a huge difference between foods that are bad for memory and those that are good for it.

And definitely consider staying away from black tea. This study shows that it could lead to suppressing memory formation in living creatures.

A second, major point you need to consider is your sleep in the context of memory improvement. If you constantly fall asleep while reading, tea might not actually help because the teas that help for memory also tend to lead to greater relaxation.

How To Experiment And Find The Best Tea For Concentration And Energy

Here’s how I do it.

As part of how I journal for overall self-improvement, I keep track of what teas I drink and when.

At the end of the week, I look for patterns in how I’m feeling.

A lot of this is guess work, but I get my blood tested regularly, and as mentioned, see my Chinese Medicine practitioner almost every week. I share my journal with her to get another point of view.

Even if you don’t check in with a health professional frequently, developing pattern recognition around what you’re eating and drinking is key.

Finally, always take timing into account. Humans have a 72 hour digestion cycle, if not longer. Journaling helps with tracking back to what may have been consumed a few days ago, something very helpful for people who have memory issues.

Speaking of memory issues, if you’d like to experience better memory, sign up for my FREE memory improvement course:

It will help you remember details like we discussed today.

So what do you say?

Are you ready to think about teas for memory a bit more critically and make better choices?

Thanks for reading and happy sipping!

Advanced Memory Palace Problems & Solutions With Don Michael Vickers

You’ve got advanced Memory Palace problems and Don Michael Vickers has got solutions.

In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, we’re diving deep into his impressive memory competition experience.

And together, we discuss the differences between using memory techniques for short-term memory and long-term memory outcomes.

But you might be wondering…

What Kind Of Advanced Memory Palace Problems?

There are a few you might encounter as you use the Memory Palace technique.

These include:

Too much or too little space between your lociDropping off parts of words when memorizing vocabularyMishearing or misreading the target informationNot keeping a journal for this form of self improvement or memory athlete specific journalingNot having a community with people who share your interest in memory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O7M2...

Suggestions From Don Michael Vickers

One thing I love about how Don shares his approach to using memory techniques is that he documents the journey.

You can check out a lot of what he’s doing on his YouTube channel and other media.

But that’s just one level or layer of journaling.

He also journals privately so he can see what’s working and what isn’t.

This is a solid tactic for one big reason:

It’s only through what scientists sometimes call “metacognitive learning recognition” that we can learn as fast as possible. It’s been demonstrated to help us see variables and define new strategies.

Journaling also helps us because it enables deeper levels of reflection than if we were to merely think about our memory improvement activities without writing them down.

How Specifically Does This Help You Solve Advanced Memory Palace Problems?

The answer is easy:

As your perspective widens, you’re able to run new “experiments.”

In other words, every time you use a Memory Palace to memorize anything, you’re experimenting.

If you take the time to observe your results, you can always ask:

What went right? And how can it go better?What went wrong? And what needs to improve?

These are the kind of questions that only you can solve and you need to be the scientist in the laboratory of your own mind to do it.

But there’s one more ingredient that I think really shines in this conversation.

Let’s talk about that next:

The Power of Community

You can also see in how Don talks about his interactions with fellow memory competitors like Katie Kermode that hanging out with others who love mnemonic strategies is key.

Communication is yet another level of reflection.

But there’s also the competition aspect.

As Don puts it, memory competitors are a lot friendlier than hockey players. Yet, you still get the chance to really throw down the gloves and test your skills.

I hope you enjoy this discussion with Don and please do follow him on his YouTube channel and social media for more exciting demonstrations and news from his activities in the world of memory competition.

Don Michael Vickers’ YouTube Channel

Don Michael Vickers’ LinkedIn

Don Michael Vickers’ Twitter

Don Michael Vickers’ Tiktok

Important Show Note Regarding The Shadow Memory Technique

There’s a technique known as the Shadow. I heard about it quite some time ago, and Braden Adams has discussed it with us on this previous episode of the MMM Podcast, and on this one.

During this episode, Don and I figured that I probably hadn’t understood the Shadow correctly.

But Ron Johnson from the excellent Craft of Memory Podcast posted this on YouTube below the video version of the interview:

This is an excellent example of the power of community, so if you aren’t yet part of ours, here’s what I suggest.

I have a free course you can download and get notifications about new podcasts like these.

If you’d like to register, please click the image below:

That way, you won’t miss a thing when new interviews like this come out.

And you’ll get some world class memory training too.

It’s a win-win!

Is Spaced Repetition The Best Study Hack? Yes, But Only If…

Spaced repetition learning has a great reputation for one simple reason:

It works.

But there’s a big “if” when using any spaced repetition system.

You have to use this form of rehearsal correctly.

The good news is that it’s not hard to make sure you’re bringing the most effective approach.

And the correct way of applying this spaced learning tactic is exactly what you’re going to learn on this page.

The best part?

There are some unique ways you can apply this scientifically-valid learning approach to many things you might want to learn.

Once you get it right, this memory technique will serve you well. It will be your go-to learning tool for the rest of your life.

Ready?

Let’s dive in!

What Is Spaced Repetition?

Spaced repetition simply means repeatedly exposing yourself to information and using active recall on an optimized schedule. In other words, “space” refers to the arrangement of time. And as a memory hack, it’s a legitimate alternative to cramming.

Scholars aren’t entirely sure, but the ancient poet Horace may have been the first to identify this principle when he reportedly said, “Repetition is the mother of learning.”

Here’s the problem:

People don’t like to repeat things over and over again. That’s called rote learning and it’s known to stunt critical thinking skills.

That’s why ancient memory techniques evolved: to optimize repetition in learning so repetition could be reduced.

But it’s not until Hermann Ebbinghaus released his study Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology that we get a scientific examination of just how many times you need to repeat information before it sticks. Basically, he memorized over 2000 nonsense syllables and worked out how much time it took him to forget them. There’s an online program you can use to try and memorize them yourself.

As Ebbinghaus put it, retention has a number, and this number can be reduced by defeating what is now called the forgetting curve. Ebbinghaus first described this effect in 1885, and you can still read articles from scientists working to optimize how we repeat information.

Learning to use spaced repetition to defeat the Forgetting Curve started in earnest with the research of Hermann Ebbinghaus.

As Ebbinghaus tracked his rate of forgetting, certain principles emerged that enabled him to remember information for longer periods of time. Spaced repetition thus entered its infancy.

How Spaced Repetition Learning Turns Your Brain Into a Powerful Memory Device

As Ebbinghaus and many other scientists have shown, looking at information you need to learn coupled with retrieval practice works to form neurochemical connections in the brain.

Scientists think that the majority of the bonds in your brain form while you are sleeping, a process known as memory consolidation. This is why you sometimes get the advice to study before you go to sleep.

Many people have worked out different repetition and retrieval patterns to try and optimize the system. Some people find that randomness works best, while other studies show that regular intervals provide much faster results.

Spacing the amount of time between exposure and recall is the core of the Pimsleur Method and learning software like Anki. It’s also at the core of the Leitner System and the similar Zettelkasten technique.

The Leitner spaced repetition system helps you manage your exposure by placing accurate and inaccurate flashcards in boxes.

Ultimately, scientists and memory experts don’t know exactly why spacing out our learning periods work. We just know that it does.

Even better, we know how to improve learning revisions sessions, which we’ll discuss soon.

How to Choose the Right Spaced Repetition Schedule for You

The first step is to choose how you’re going to engage in spaced repetition learning. You can do it by:

Manually setting the reviews times in your calendarFlashcardsUsing a spaced repetition softwareUsing a Leitner or Zettelkasten systemUsing a Memory Palace system

No matter what you choose, here are some suggested schedules.

Schedule #1: Irregular Spacing

When learning and coming back to the material, you can space out your exposure and retrieval in irregular doses. In other words, you can randomly choose to review material on an irregular pattern like:

After one dayAfter three daysAfter two daysAfter seven daysAfter five daysAfter one day, etc.Schedule #2: Regular Spacing

As cited above, some studies find that regular rehearsal patterns work better.

Dominic O’Brien, creator of the Dominic System for memorizing numbers, teaches what he calls the Rule of Five:

Once a day for five daysOnce a week for five weeksOnce a month for five months

There’s nothing magic about the number five, however. You could easily change it to two or seven. The point is that the intervals are regular instead of irregular.

I personally modify this approach for many of own learning projects by repeating new information 5 times a day for the first 5 days. I find this incredibly effective, especially for language learning or tough things like Morse Code.

Schedule #3: Blended Spacing

There are many kinds of information where you don’t have to choose irregular or regular spacing. You can combine the two for maximum effect.

Often, the blending will happen naturally. For example, if you’re using graded readers in language learning, you will naturally receive additional exposure.

A similar effect will happen when reading any book with terms you’re memorizing. You can revisit them on a regular pattern and also get random exposure as you study the topic over time. This kind of blended exposure is ideal whenever you can get it.

In other words, the best repetition schedule is really not one or the other, but both.

The Most Effective Way to Use Spaced Repetition

Once you’ve settled on how you’re going to use the spaced repetition method and decided on the scheduling, it’s time to optimize the entire process.

Many people make a huge mistake:

They simply expose themselves to the information they’re trying to learn. This activity is closer to rote learning, and although it can work, isn’t fun or all that interesting.

Here’s what to do instead.

Step #1: Elaborate While Learning

Never simply read the information. Always interact with it by using mnemonic imagery.

For example, if you’re learning a new word like “brachial plexus,” imagine stomping on brakes made out of plexiglass.

This process is called elaborative rehearsal and it makes information very sticky, very fast. To get better at it, give these elaboration exercises and visualization exercises try.

If you’re skeptical, Dr. David Reser and Tyson Yunkaporta have published research demonstrating that medical students who did this retained far more information than a control group.

In that study, participants used a journey method, which is like the Memory Palace technique. It’s well worth making mnemonic devices like that part of the elaboration process for best results.

Step #2: Let Your Chosen Amount of Time Pass

This part is simple. You really don’t have to do anything. You can go have fun with your friends, play games, music or check out a movie.

Or, as we discussed above, you can get some sleep to help your memories form faster.

Step #3: Recall Your Elaborations First

Here’s two errors a lot of people make:

They look at the information before trying to recall it during the next rehearsal, or…They try to recall the information without using their elaborations as part of the process

You can form memories faster by avoiding these two errors.

When it comes time to review your learning material, don’t look at your flash cards or spaced repetition software first. Instead, write out what you remember from memory first.

This challenge, which is part of active recall, will help you learn the material faster. Even if you make a mistake, you will still benefit. In fact, making mistakes helps you learn faster because it causes you to think about what went wrong and how to fix the issue.

When writing out your answers, make sure it’s on paper. Research has demonstrated you will learn faster by using a notebook than a tablet or computer.

Step #4: Add Other Repetition Opportunities

I learned very fast in university because some of the places I used to study involved groups of my peers. We would talk about what we were learning and listen to each other. This simple act rapidly improved memory formation.

You can also seek out additional books, podcasts and video tutorials related to your topic.

Finally, write summaries as much as you can. You don’t have to build an elaborate blog to do this. You can leave comments on videos you’ve learned from or share in social media posts.

These are highly overlooked forms of spaced repetition that are very powerful. Please make use of them.

Step #5: Take Test Exams

No matter what you’re learning, you can find sample exams or come up with your own. Self-testing a fantastic form of spaced repetition that gives you rapid feedback.

In fact, you can manually schedule a bunch for yourself and automate reminders so you don’t forget.

Step #6: Visit Your Professor

One of my favorite strategies as a student was regularly taking advantage of office hours.

You might not naturally think of doing this as spaced repetition, but so long as you’re pulling what you’re discussing from memory, that’s what it will be.

And please don’t think this is weird. Teachers and professors regularly have refresher courses and go to conferences precisely because they too need repeated exposure to knowledge. They cannot keep it fresh in memory without themselves regularly visiting the topics of their expertise.

Start Using Spaced Repetition for Memory Recall

The truth is that we’re always repeatedly encountering different kinds of information that we already know.

Spaced repetition studying simply optimizes the process.

Please don’t worry about getting your first spaced repetition schedule 100% correct. It’s not a learning practice like that.

What matters is that you bring a decent amount of regularity to the process and that you use the specific steps we discussed above.

People who get poor results from this form of learning usually aren’t elaborating the material with mental imagery. Or they’re not recalling information in the flow you now know to use.

At first, you may find doing things this way a bit counterintuitive.

But don’t worry. Before you know it, you’ll feel like you’ve been doing it forever.

And you can apply it to rapidly learning many things in life. For example, I used it a lot when giving my presentations as a university professor. And it was an essential tactic for memorizing a speech I gave for TEDx in Melbourne.

Spaced repetition also has applications in the deliberate practice we use to learn music and choreography.

Wherever there is learning, there is space for highly optimized spaced repetition.

If you’re attracted to this process, check out how the ancient art of memory can help by grabbing your FREE Memory Improvement Kit now:

It will help you master the best spaced repetition system of them all:

The one you use purely in your mind thanks to the Magnetic Memory Palace technique.

So what do you say?

Are you ready to learn faster and remember more with the best that ancient wisdom and the contemporary science of learning has to offer?

Dive in and repeat with highly optimized spatial abandon!

Memory Palace for Language Learning: Does It Really Work?

If you’re learning a new foreign language, you’ve probably heard about the Memory Palace for language learning.

Does it work?

Absolutely.

But some people struggle with this mnemonic strategy.

Unnecessarily.

To remove all struggles and maximum your success, on this page, I’ll discuss why some people exert too much energy and wind up fizzling out.

And I’ll remove each and every pitfall based on decades of personal experience using and teaching these techniques with multiple languages.

That way, you can use this incredibly powerful learning technique to supplement your language learning adventure.

Because let’s face it:

The whole point of using this technique in the first place is to make language learning much more fun, and a lot faster and easier.

So if you’re ready ready to optimize how you’re using this powerful tactic and go over the ultimate Memory Palace example for language learners, let’s dive in.

First, Avoid These Memory Palace Mistakes

If you’ve tried using a Memory Palace to develop your fluency in another language and struggled, this first mistake is important to avoid.

Stop blaming yourself.

A lot of memory training on the Internet lacks nuance. Worse, a lot of it is designed to peak your interest with big promises, but not teach you anything. That’s not happening here.

In reality, the technique works wonderfully for speeding up retention with any information. Beyond not having good sources of information, people struggle because:

One Memory Palace is not enoughThe Memory Palaces they do have are poorly designedThey do not use visualization and elaboration optimallyThey do not use their Memory Palaces with a proper spaced repetition strategyThey do not situate the technique in the larger context of what it takes to learn a languageNot exploring the technique in combination with tools like Anki, The Freedom Journal or flashcardsThey give up too soon

Again, forgive yourself if you’ve encountered any of these situations before. We’re about to solve everything together.

Can a Memory Palace Really Teach You a New Language?

The Buddha reportedly said that “Expectation is the quickest path to suffering.”

And a lot of people mistakenly think that the Memory Palace technique is going to magically “teach” them the language or make them fluent.

But remembering vocabulary and phrases is not just a solitary activity. It’s a communal one.

This is a key point made by Tim Doner in a TEDx Teen Talk where he also shows how he used the Memory Palace technique.

To see such a young person so wisely embedding this ancient memory technique in the larger principles of what it takes to learn a language is inspiring.

Because that’s what it takes:

Use the Memory Palace as a tool from a toolbox containing other tools, not a magic bullet. What are some of those other tools?

Language learning booksStories in foreign languagesSpeaking partners and community which some language learning software programs provideHow to Design a Memory Palace for Language Learning

The key to getting your first Memory Palace optimized for language learning involves these steps:

Making sure it’s a true Memory PalaceMaking sure you can navigate it naturallyMaking sure you don’t trap or confuse yourselfMaking sure it works for Recall Rehearsal (spaced repetition)Making sure you have multiple Memory PalacesMaking sure you populate the Memory Palaces with truly Magnetic ImageryMaking sure you learn to scale from individual words to entire sentences

Let’s go through each of these steps in order.

One: Use A True Memory Palace

By “true” Memory Palace, I mean basing your Memory Palace on a location you already remember.

Some people don’t mind spending the time to memorize a location in order to use it. Or they are happy to base a Memory Palace on a video game, movie or even a story. All of these are what I call Virtual Memory Palaces.

By all means, experiment with these forms. But if you find yourself spinning your wheels, come back to the principle of basing each Memory Palace for foreign language learning purposes on actual locations. Chances are you’ll be much more successful.

This better outcome happens because you’re reducing the cognitive load by simply laying out associations on a journey you already remember. This principle reduces errors and saves time. Segmenting space you already remember is what distinguishes a Memory Palace from a Memorized Palace.

Two: Navigate Your Palaces Naturally

Many times I receive messages from people who have issues with language learning. When I ask them what they’re doing, they tell me they’re crossing through walls or mentally leaping through space and time.

I counsel them to try navigating their Memory Palaces using one of these five examples.

Each of them involves walking or moving mentally from one station in the Memory Palace to the next exactly as you would in real life.

Again, this procedure has to do with reducing cognitive load. If you choose to magically penetrate a window and fly across town, you’ve given yourself an additional memory task. That takes time and energy away from using the technique to memorize vocabulary and phrases.

But if you move from your bedroom to your balcony exactly as you would in the real world, you can focus much more attention on the content you’re memorizing.

Three: Avoid Traps And Confusion

So many Memory Palace tutorials tell you to start at your front door and move inwards.

Sure, this can work, but personally, it makes me cringe. Every time I do this, I wind up running out of space very quickly.

That’s why I learned to start at the “dead end” and move towards the entrance. That way, I can add more stations if desired by using driveways, mailboxes, etc. This approach allows you to patch in the best parts of the journey method, which involves outdoor locations.

It also helps ensure that you don’t have to renovate any of your Memory Palaces later.

Four: Make Sure The Memory Palace Assists Recall Rehearsal

We know that the Memory Palace technique works. One of the most recent and most powerful studies conducted by a team involve David Reser and Tyson Yunkaporta showed excellent results in a study using an Aboriginal variation of the Memory Palace.

This study revealed positive results for people with dyslexia using a software variation of the Memory Palace technique. And Lynne Kelly’s Memory Craft provides even more research if you’re interested.

The point is that you need to follow all of these steps I’ve outlined because active recall and review are necessary. But you can’t be fussing around with the Memory Palace itself because that drains you of time, energy and enthusiasm for the technique.

Some people find the setup itself daunting, and I can appreciate that. But I don’t think they’re correct when they say that rote learning would be better for them. Research has shown that rote learning can reduce your critical thinking abilities.

So it’s worth the small amount of pre-loaded learning it takes to master the Memory Palace technique for language learning.

Five: Multiple Memory Palaces

Once you’ve made one Memory Palace and put it into action for approximately 10 words, it’s time to make more.

Why?

A few reasons:

You can gather related words alphabetically or thematically in different Memory PalacesRotating between Memory Palaces maximizes the benefits of chunking through interleavingYou learn to use the technique betterIt helps you reuse or expand previous Memory Palaces effectively

Some people find creating multiple Memory Palaces daunting. You don’t have to create dozens overnight.

But if you sit down and complete the exercises I teach, the rusty chain in your brain will soon be oiled.

Plus, once you start thinking alphabetically, you’ll see that the entire world is optimized for you to harness this technique.

A simple case in point is that every street in my town has a name. Even if that name is a number, it can still be spelled.

If I used 1st Avenue as a Memory Palace for ‘F’ words, I have a highly optimized mental journey that leans upon a feature in the world. This kind of Memory Palace reduces cognitive load by harnessing what is already known instead of wasting energy on coming up with invented associations.

Six: Use Magnetic Imagery

When people send me their associations, they often involve associations like “a hair stylist” for a German word like Herstellen.

Don’t get me wrong. This is a great start.

But it’s not optimized Magnetic Imagery. Mnemonic Images need more specificity to really pop and help you recall both the sound and the meaning of the words you’re learning.

To improve the example a student sent me, I suggested imagining the German author Hermann Hesse “producing” a hair style for Ellen Degeneres. To be clear, I’ve linked the “Her” in Hermann to the “her” in herstellen, and “Ellen” to “stellen” and had their interaction express the meaning of the world.

This level of specificity follows a variation of the principles I shared above. It relies upon people that are already in memory. They are concrete and specific and easy to animate. “Hair stylist” on the other hand is vague and generic.

Sure, learning to make sure your images are properly “Magnetic” can take a bit of practice. But it’s well worth it and you’ll pick up the habit soon enough. In fact, with consistent practice, the skill will enter your procedural memory and you’ll find yourself doing it on autopilot.

Seven: Scale To Entire Phrases

The best part of this technique is that you don’t have to stop with individual words.

Of course, it only makes sense to start by mastering one word at a time. That’s why I suggest started with approximately 10 words per Memory Palace.

Once you can do this reliably, it’s time to add a phrase to each word.

There are a few ways to do this depending on how you’re using the technique.

For example, I first get all of the words into memory. Then I pick a couple and add phrases on the same station I originally used.

But other times, I will transport the words to completely different Memory Palaces.

Memory Palace Q&As: What Does Success Look Like?

Success obviously looks different for different people. But in general, here’s how I suggest you think about the process:

Have fun.

If you’re not enjoying the process, it really isn’t successful.

But also take responsibility for making it fun.

Memory techniques are like a bike. Everyone needs to adjust the seat and the handle bars, so spend enough time with the technique so that you’ve really settled into what it is and how it works.

How Long Will It Take To Learn A Language?

The length of time it takes to learn a language depends a lot on how you define fluency.

Personally, I’m a fanatic of language, including my native tongue. I don’t think I’ll ever be done learning English, so I don’t worry about this question in any language I study.

Rather, I set very specific goals. For example, after CLI heard my language learning podcast episode on The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci, they invited me to China. That meant I had only three months to study Chinese.

Instead of making a massive and impossible goal, I set the achievable goal of developing a 300 word vocabulary and mastering basic conversational phrases. And this worked very well.

Later, I was able to start Level 3 at the Confucius Institute school in Brisbane without taking the first two levels. And I set my goal as simply mastering the course content. I passed with flying colors.

But I expect to never stop learning Chinese, or German, or Sanskrit or any language I take up. Each language is an adventure for life.

How Often Should I Use My Memory Palace?

In the beginning, I would suggest using the technique as often as possible. Daily is best, and you can get great results with just 15 minutes a day, or even less.

The reason to use the technique frequently is to ensure that your procedural memory can develop the skills involved in the technique.

As I discussed in my first book on language learning with memory techniques, memory techniques and your mind are a bit like a bicycle. Once you learn how to get them working, you can take time off and still enjoy smooth sailing.

But without consistent practice, it’s very difficult to build enough brain connections to ride freely.

Is There A “Best” Way To Use Memory Palaces?

Absolutely, yes. You want to use the Memory Palace technique in a way that will get you results.

Returning to the bicycle analogy, you can’t just hop on a bike and expect it to be perfectly comfortable. You usually need to adjust the seat height and the exact angle of the bars.

Memory techniques are like that too. The principles are universal, but some adjustments to personalize them are always required.

Plus, there’s always personal experimentation involved. The need to dive in and get your hands dirty is a common theme in Memory Palace books, and your adventure is unlikely to be any different.

Rather than seek the best way, I suggest you first find the most effective way for your specific language learning goals. Then develop your skills so that you’re more efficient. Finally, experiment with yet other approaches so that you’re able to grow your skills over time.

The best part? You’ll be growing your fluency as you go thanks to developing your own “mnemonic style.”

Now It’s Time to Create Your Own Memory Palace

When you’re ready to start applying the Memory Palace technique to your language learning goals, please grab my free memory improvement kit:

It gives you some powerful exercises and templates that will ensure your Memory Palaces are well-formed and error free.

That way you can dive into crushing your language learning goals immediately.

Enjoy this journey in whatever language you’re learning and I look forward to hearing from you in multiple tongues!

How to Memorize a Speech Fast: 5 Proven Tips for Memorizing Speeches

Imagine this: you’re standing up in front of an audience and giving an important speech. 

Now tell me, how do you feel? Are your hands sweaty or your knees shaky? Is your stomach tied up in knots and feeling a bit queasy?

If you’re anything like me during my undergraduate years, maybe you even have a phobia of public speaking.

Yes, it’s true.

I might be a TEDx speaker now who gives presentations from memory around the world, but I once had a terrible aversion to giving speeches.

I was in the situation because I took a medication for manic-depression that made me shake really, really badly.

Then, in a fourth-year course on Romantic-era poetry, I was supposed to give a speech. My hands shook, my papers rattled in my hands, and I couldn’t concentrate on my delivery of the speech… much less expressing my familiarity with the topic at hand! 

Instead, I left the classroom frustrated and embarrassed. It was one of the most horrible moments of my scholarly career to be shaking so badly and yet have so much to say. 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBvKF...

And to top it all off, the professor wouldn’t take me at my word — I had to go to the Behavioural Sciences Building to get a letter from the psychologist.

Going through this elaborate process to prove my medical condition so I could get an alternate assignment instead of being required to give the speech, led a crippling phobia of giving speeches that lasted for quite some time. 

But here’s the good news: even if you have a fear of public speaking – most people do – there’s still hope. With the help of memory and a few other tricks I’ll teach you today, you can overcome your fear. 

Why should you trust me? Well… here I am giving a TEDx presentation from memory. No slides, no nothing. Just raw memory:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvtYj...

Was I nervous? Not at all, even though I used to suffer like crazy just at the thought of giving a talk (even ones where I was allowed to have notes).

And I’ll let you in on a secret. Now, when I give a speech I really have a lot of fun! I think you can see that from the example above.

So are you ready to kick your fear of public speaking to the curb and have fun with it instead? Let’s dive right in and take a look at how to memorize a speech — and how memorizing can help you overcome your public speaking fears.

Want to skip ahead to a particular section?

Memorizing a Speech Without Losing Your Place
How to Memorize a Speech: Tips and Techniques for Public Speaking
Tip Number 1: Be Prepared
Tip Number 2: Relax, Relax, Relax
Tip Number 3: Don’t Make it a Big Deal
Tip Number 4: Know Your Body
Tip Number 5: Do Table Reads
The Best Way to Memorize a Speech: Create a Memory Palace
How to Memorize a Speech: Step by Step
Real-Life Examples of How to Remember a Speech
Have Fun Memorizing a Speech

You might be thinking… “but will your approach work for me?”

I can honestly say — yes! I’ve seen this method work not only for me, but also for clients of mine. Here’s one example:

Michael DeLeon wrote the other day and said:

“I’ve been training myself in the techniques of the Magnetic Memory Method. I’ve given two speeches that were, by far, the easiest for me to give because of the Magnetic Memory Method. I felt no pressure. I could relax and deliver the speech I wanted to give because there was never a fear of ‘I would lose my place.'” 

So are you ready to learn some tips for memorizing a speech? Let’s start with a common fear: losing your place.

Memorizing a Speech Without Losing Your Place

When we talk about how to memorize a speech, one of the first things people often ask is what to do when you get lost. In this post, we’ll cover how to find your way quickly back, as well as a host of other issues that can arise during your speech.

We’ll also talk about Steal the Show: From Speeches, to Job Interviews, to Deal-Closing Pitches, How to Guarantee a Standing Ovation for all the Performances in Your Life, a great book by Michael Port that I’ve learned a lot from, as well as some tips I learned from my mentor about giving speeches.

The short answer is: a Memory Palace can help you be fearless, focused, and able to track back if you ever do lose your place. The longer answer? Keep reading!

To make the most of this post, take notes as you read, then start to carve a path forward to where you go out and give some kind of speech (even if it’s just to your friends and family).

We’ve got an action-packed post waiting for you, so let’s get started.

How to Memorize a Speech: Tips and Techniques for Public Speaking

Before we talk through my top tips, let’s get one big question out of the way: what’s the point of learning to give (and memorize) a speech? Whether or not you’re using a memory technique, why do you want to learn how to do it?

Here are a few benefits to being a great public speaker:

It’s a highly marketable skill.

There are lots of companies that need someone to be able to present the value they offer – their expertise, unique selling proposition, value for the market, etc – and why customers should pick them. It’s the same for you — you want to be known as the person a company wants to hire, the one they want to promote, the one they want to give a raise.

Public speaking displays your expertise.

Your ability to speak coherently and clearly is a key indicator to both your employer and clients that you know your stuff. When you can speak from the top of your mind without hemming and hawing or stuttering, it lets your knowledge shine.

Stepping on stage develops courage.

Getting comfortable with public speaking takes practice — and getting out there and starting to give speeches (even if it’s just to a friend or two at first) will begin to build your courage muscle. It’s a win-win.

Speaking shows your personality.

As you practice giving speeches, you’ll begin to develop your own personal presentation style. And the more comfortable you get, the more your personality will shine.

Giving speeches helps build relationships.

Getting out into the community allows you to connect with people in both your personal and business networks. And if you’re still in school, it can help you build connections with your teachers and your fellow students.

Public speaking sets you up as an expert in your field.

When you’re the one up on stage, it’s clear to the audience that you know what you’re talking about. You can prepare the road ahead by being known as the expert who has the courage to get up on stage and share their knowledge. Just look at Sunil Khatri’s speech success story.

It helps you deliver results to other people.

Right now, your audience doesn’t have a particular set of knowledge. When you get up on stage, you’re able to give them that knowledge — and package it in a way that helps them quickly absorb it. Plus, you can do so in a way that encourages them to take action, because they’ve seen you demonstrate how valuable it is from the stage.

Speaking can help you build your memory as you learn.

Learning to memorize a speech will help you build your memory as you go. Even if you do need notes in the beginning, you can still improve your memory as you practice your speech.

Bonus: it’s fun!

It’s not only a valuable skill, but being able to jump up on stage and speak off the top of your mind is actually a lot of fun!

Now you know the benefits of memorizing a speech, let’s take a look at a few tips to help you along the way.

Tip Number 1: Be Prepared

The number one best technique of all is to be prepared.

This means: do your research and have the knowledge in your head that you’re presenting on. This might be obvious, but a lot of people think they can skip this step.

If you’re nervous or worried, that sense of fear often comes from the fact that you don’t know your topic well enough. At the end of the day, be prepared with solid research and actual knowledge about your subject… 

Because the number one memory tool you have — is to not have to use memory techniques.

You’re here to memorize a speech, but the best way to do that is to know what you’re talking about. It will help you avoid your fears about getting lost when you know your subject backwards and forwards.

This is especially important if you’re wondering how to memorize a long speech.

Part of giving good speeches of any length from memory is preparation. The longer it is, the more familiarity with the core content you want to have on hand.

Then, as you prepare, memorize the key information as you go along. Snap it into your larger understanding of the topic as you go along. There are a number of ways to do this:

Use a Mind Map

Mind mapping helps you prime your memory from the very beginning, by giving it structure in space. 

Imagine you’re creating a mind map — you have your central image, which primes your mind to dig deep into your memory and create a mental image around the core topic, by name. You can also use a key word that’s big, bold, and centered in your attention.

This example Mind Map was created for one of my live stream presentations. I usually juggle for a few minutes before giving a speech to get my creative juices flowing.

This allows you to think in imagery and images placed in space, and also the connections you can make by having multiple key words arranged in space.

You can also turn a mind map into a Memory Palace.

Consider Content Mapping

If you decide to memorize your speech verbatim, this is another kind of mapping that can help you with your beats. 

But what do we mean by beats? When you memorize verbatim, you may want to remember things like:

Where your pauses are,Where on the stage you plan to turn and look at a particular part of the audience,When you want to pull a prop from your pocket, orAny other physical cues.

You might even plan to give a speech with another person and need to remember where their lines begin.

Hat tip to Steal the Show by Michael Port for this idea. 

Read Additional Books

Once you create your original mind map, then you might consider reading two or three additional books on the topic.

For example, I recently did a livestream on the topic of how to memorize a speech.

As part of my preparation, I read not only Michael Port’s Steal the Show, but also the Rhetorica ad Herennium and other books on rhetoric and speaking by authors like Matthew Clark and Dan Kennedy.

Yours Free: A Private Course With Cheat Sheets For Becoming A Memory Master, Starting From Scratch.

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Know Your Audience

One fun way to engage with your audience is to know and mention the names of your host and audience. When I give talks on , I make it a point to memorize every name in the room — and then I address audience members by name as I give my speech.

But even more important is to tailor your presentation and speech to that particular audience. This may mean memorizing things about the audience, or things about the individuals who will be present, so you can respond on the fly.

You won’t initially have the kind of information you need to do this, but it’s easy to find. Reach out to the person who invited you to give the speech – or ask your teacher or professor – and ask them what considerations they would like included in your speech. 

It’s very powerful to tailor your speech to the audience and their specific interests or concerns.

Train Under Pressure

One of the best tips on how to memorize a speech I can give is this:

When you’re in the middle of a speech, you ideally want to keep moving forward — even if you make mistakes or something unexpected happens.

When you memorize your speech and train yourself to give it under any circumstances, it can help you find your place when the unexpected happens. You can then quickly find where you were and keep moving forward.

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to let your hard work pay off.

Tip Number 2: Relax, Relax, Relax

The most important step of all is relaxation, and being willing to let go of your expectations.

Letting go of the outcome is essential when it comes to learn how to memorize a speech fast.

Why is this point so important?

For one simple reason:

When the light goes green and you’re live you can no longer control the outcome — but you can practice not being in control very early on. You do this through relaxation.

For best results, practice relaxing while you:

Prepare your research,Memorize your speech,Practice reciting what you’re going to say from memory,Deliver your speech (by being relaxed ahead of time), andAnalyze how the speech went.

The more relaxed you are during each of these stages, the more you’ll be able to effectively analyze how your speaking engagement went. This gives you the chance to think through the results in a clinical fashion and improve, rather than judging yourself on your performance.

But how do you relax at each stage of preparation and memorization? There are a few techniques you can use.

Box Breathing

This is a breathing technique that’s widely attributed to a former Navy SEAL, who used the skill set to stay calm in combat situations.

To use this technique, think of a square and follow along with your breath. 

Inhale to a count of five, Hold the breath in for a count of five, Exhale to a count of five,Hold the breath out for a count of five, and thenRepeat as necessary.

This technique is really good for activating your parasympathetic nervous system and giving you some space between you and your monkey mind. The more you’re able to relax, the more you can be present to what’s happening — instead of overthinking.

You might wonder: why does the monkey mind go on and on? 

Well, it’s worried what people are going to think about you! It’s worried about what happens if you make a mistake. It’s worried about what happens if people think you’re going to make a mistake.

Prepare to Make Mistakes

So here’s the deal… I guarantee you’re going to make some kind of mistake. I did when delivering my TEDx, largely because people laughed at a moment when I wasn’t expecting that they would.

But — it’s not really a mistake if you don’t pay attention to whatever “error” arises. If you’re relaxed and you just move on, the audience is less likely to notice that you made a mistake. If you get flustered, on the other hand, you make it harder for yourself to find your place again.

Everyone stumbles over their tongue every once in a while, and the more you speak the more it will happen to you. The way you overcome mistakes is to be relaxed and just keep going.

Remember: it’s all about practice.

Meditate

I highly recommend meditation for anyone preparing to give a speech.

It really gives you distance between what’s going on, and quiets the monkey mind so you don’t get caught up in mental commentary as you’re speaking. It allows you to roll with the punches when the punches come.

Meditation is great to help you be aware of different self-criticism that may come up and to keep going anyway. It also helps you let go of the outcome, because you can’t control what’s going to happen. 

Technical situations that are out of your control? Venue issues that impede your flow? No problem — meditation helps you keep going.

Meditation also helps with the next tip on our list.

Tip Number 3: Don’t Make it a Big Deal

Whatever you do, don’t turn memorization into some sort of Holy Grail. 

As I learned from my speaking mentor (who coached me through getting better on camera), there’s more to giving a speech than just reciting from memory.

He told me: 

“Yeah, you can memorize this stuff, but it looks like you’re reciting from your mind. Nobody wants to watch this. Very few people are going to be impressed by being bored by your precision recall. It’s just not something that is entertaining or engaging.“

And when I did my first university lectures, using hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of pages of lecture notes, I quickly understood that it was much more in the service of my students to deliver from memory and select words than to be reading out these long speeches. 

Soon, I abandoned my notes and spoke very freely — which made for much more interesting lectures and served my students better in the end.

It’s a process of practicing, refining, analyzing what you’re doing, getting feedback, and trying again.

And through this process of repetition, you begin to realize that giving a speech is neither the end of the world, nor the most important thing you’ll ever do. It’s simply a means to an end and can be a fun experience.

Another tip to help make your speaking experience pleasant is to “know thyself.”

Tip Number 4: Know Your Body

Your body is like any other machine: it needs to be properly maintained and cared for to achieve peak performance.

When it comes to preparing to give a speech, it’s beneficial to be hydrated and well-rested the day before your speaking engagement.

Some people might choose to fast the day before a speech to give them mental clarity, while others wouldn’t dream of fasting because it makes them weak.

Along those lines, observe how your dietary choices affect your body. If you eat or drink the wrong thing before giving a speech, it can be very draining, since your body is processing stuff that takes energy away from your mind or makes you feel terrible. This takes focus away from the task at hand.

(For more focus tips, I suggest Nir Eyal’s Indistractable.)

Avoid any foods that make you dull, tired, or irritated. Instead, choose foods that help you stay calm and clear. Pick your battles, and know how certain foods make you feel as you choose your pre-speech diet.

Finally, let’s look at a tip the pros use when preparing to memorize a speech.

Tip Number 5: Do Table Reads

There are a few ways you can approach a table read, but the most important elements are to read out loud whatever it is you’re going to deliver — and do it seated with others so you can really study your body in a seated position.

Practice giving a speech in front of friends before taking it to the stage.

Then, be sure to also practice it standing and mobile, like you will be when you deliver the speech, with an audience present.

You do this because your writing is very different than it sounds read out loud. Because of this, delivering your speech can be very strange if you haven’t written it specifically as a speech. The table read helps you correct what you’ve written so it sounds natural while you’re speaking out loud.

And if you can’t find other people to do a table read with you… do one by yourself!

You can practice on camera — this is a great way to hear your speech externally and objectively. If you work from key words or acronyms instead of a written script, you can also get the recording transcribed.

When I prepare for a speech, I almost always record my preparation and get it transcribed. Then, I can look at 1) how it reads, 2) what it sounds like, and 3) what to add or take away.

Recording yourself doesn’t need to be complicated. You can use your smartphone to record, and use a service like Rev.com to transcribe.

If you can, share your script or transcription with other people. Ask them what’s too much, and if there’s anything you should take away. You don’t have to take their opinion, but it can be helpful to get an outside viewpoint or two.

And, be sure to ask qualified people who will tell you the truth — and that their truth is coming from a place of expertise and proper context. 

The Best Way to Memorize a Speech

If I’m totally honest, the best way to memorize a speech is – hands down – to use a Memory Palace.

Yes, I also recommend using Memory Palaces for most memorization — but I do that because they work!

Let’s take a look at why creating a Memory Palace is best, and how to do it.

Top Technique to Help You Memorize a Speech: Create a Memory Palace

The memory palace is king when it comes to memorizing a speech.

Why? Because it enables you to use space in the world to memorize exactly what you want to deliver… in the order you want to deliver it. As you move through your Memory Palace, you’re just ticking off boxes, spatially speaking.

You know when you’ve finished a specific section of your speech, and you know exactly where you are in space. This is why it’s easier to find your place if you momentarily get lost.

Let’s look at a specific example of how a real person uses this technique: Jonathan Levi and his TED Talk “What if Schools Taught us How to Learn?“

The Memory Palace Jonathan used in this speech is one I helped him create. In this TED Talk, he shared not only that he was using a Memory Palace, but you can also see it up on the screen during his talk:

Jonathan Levi’s Memory Palace for his TEDx, a speech he memorized verbatim.

You can see how much he had to cover in his speech, and how the Memory Palace was helpful as he mentally walked through it while giving the talk.

Now you’ve seen a Memory Palace in action during a speech, let’s take a look at what kinds of things you might choose to memorize.

Yours Free: A Private Course With Cheat Sheets For Becoming A Memory Master, Starting From Scratch.

>>> Click Here For This Special Free Offer.What to Memorize Using Your Mind Palace

While this technique can be used to memorize a speech verbatim, I don’t recommend it. In my opinion, it’s not the best way to give a speech, because reciting from memory often ends up sounding… well, like you’re reciting from memory.

Instead, memorize the following key pieces of your speech.

1. Key Words and Acronyms

Instead of memorizing verbatim and sounding like you’re reciting from memory, try to memorize key words and phrases out of your speech.

When you prepare in this way, you can use your Memory Palace to memorize specific words or acronyms that will allow you to unlock your speech as you go. You can also use it for data you don’t want to look at from your slides.

2. Specific Details

Your Memory Palace is a great place to store things like names, dates, and specific terminology. 

It’s much more interesting for your audience to watch you look at them and pull dates out of your head, rather than needing to look at the PowerPoint or your notes. Instead, you can easily remember the names of people you’re referring to, any dates associated with them, and other details you need to keep in your head.

3. Quotes

Instead of getting your little laser pointer out and reading a quote, being able to recite it from memory is also very powerful!

Next, let’s look at a couple of tips to make memorizing with a Memory Palace easier. 

Tips for Memorizing a Speech

Here’s something to consider: you don’t want to visit your Memory Palace and just recite what you find there.

Instead, you want to have access to those facts, names, dates, terminology, and quotes — and then you want to be able to recite from memory. Similarly, you want to deliver your speech with the assistance of your Memory Palace, rather than drawing your words straight out of the stations in your mind. 

Memory Palaces are best used to get information into your long-term memory. This means you don’t need them to deliver the speech, but they are there as a safety net in case you need to retrieve them.

One last reminder before we dive into the step-by-step of how to remember a speech: think about why you want to memorize it.

Why You Shouldn’t Memorize a Speech

It may seem paradoxical… here I am writing a post about how to memorize a speech, and I’m telling you NOT to memorize your speech. What gives?

Truthfully, I never actually memorize speeches, because the delivery sounds very stilted.

Quoting is one thing (and it’s sometimes nice to be able to quote things), but it’s not that interesting to listen to a fully-memorized speech.

When I give a speech, I structure it very differently, using the process we’re talking about today.

I have some key words to talk about.I have acronyms built into place to guide my delivery, and thenI practice a couple of times in front of the camera.

Ideally, when you give your speech, you’re just speaking very loosely, openly, and warmly. This way, it sounds like you’re talking from one person to another.

Framing how you use memorized material can be helpful as well, so people know memorized material is headed their way — and you can be fluid in your presentation style.

Now that you have some history under your belt – and considerations around how you’ll use the material you’re getting ready to memorize – let’s take the memorization process one step at a time.

How to Memorize a Speech: Step by Step

Now that you know all of the parts and pieces that go into the process, let’s break things down one step at a time.

1. Get Prepared

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: preparation is everything.

While you prepare and write out your speech, start memorizing information as you go. I would recommend using a mind map during this stage, so you can start with a solid grasp of your spatial orientation.

This early stage will give you a suggestion of how to organize things later, when you’re putting it all into your Memory Palace. You might even think of the mind map as a first draft of your Memory Palace.

In particular, start to memorize any key words, facts, dates, names, or quotes you want to bring in.

Next, you’ll begin to actually write out what you want to say.

2. Write Your Speech

Remember, even though I write out my speeches, I very rarely deliver anything verbatim.

My mentor once told me, “You can memorize verbatim, but you look like you’re accessing from memory. Be more free.” The way I took his advice was to write the speech and then organize it into key words and acronyms.

Using a mind map in this step is really helpful — but even without it, organizing your speech into acronyms is very powerful.

Next, you’ll begin to memorize those pieces.

3. Memorize Your Key Words

You’ll take the key words and acronyms from your speech and start to memorize them at the stations in your Memory Palace.

If you don’t know how to create a Memory Palace, you can pick up your free memory kit.

Or, at least make sure you’re using the masterclass – if you have it – to deeply understand what to do with your Memory Palaces.

Then, you’ll use repetition.

4. Use the “Big Five”

Once you’ve memorized your key words and acronyms, then it’s time to use the Big Five at least five times. 

What does that mean?

Write out what you’ve memorized, from memory.Speak it out loud, either to yourself or someone else.Record yourself speaking and then listen to the recording.Get your recording transcribed and read it over.And practice, practice, practice!

Finally, you’ll practice some more.

5. Practice

This may feel like I’m overstating, but the importance of practicing your speech is paramount!

Practice your speech in front of the camera or in front of friends. Use the relaxation tips I shared earlier in the post. And get as comfortable as you possibly can before you jump up on that stage.

Finally, let’s take a look at a couple of real-life examples, so you can see how this methodology works in practice.

Real-Life Examples of How to Remember a Speech

In this section, we’ll talk about how to memorize a speech quickly, the way I do it.

There are a couple of speeches I give regularly. Both the NAME and FREE speech are very fluid and packaged, and I do them entirely from memory (from acronyms).

Let’s look at both speeches, starting with… 

The NAME Speech

When I give this speech, I talk about how to memorize names.

I follow the acronym “NAME.”

Noticing,Making Associations,Using Memory Palaces, andManaging Expectations.

Within 20 minutes I’m done and everyone in that room can memorize any name they want!

Does that mean my speech is a little bit different every time? Of course, but this method is super simple to follow, very structured, and gives me the chance to just talk about the topic.

Next, let’s look at… 

The FREE Speech

The same thing goes for this particular speech. When I give this speech, I run through the acronym:

Frequency,Relevance,Edutainment, and Engagement.

What I find fun about using acronyms to memorize your speech is that you can also use them backward. Sometimes I’ll write out “FREE” on the board, and then proceed to work up from the bottom. It’s a great way to catch the audience’s attention.

Hopefully, by this point, your interest has been piqued. And maybe you even want to learn more about how to give a great speech.

Have Fun Memorizing a Speech

Think back to how giving speeches used to make you feel.

Sweaty. Queasy. Shaking just thinking about stepping up on stage.

Now, think about how confident and powerful you can feel standing up on stage as you deliver your expertise to a rapt audience.

This second scenario isn’t just possible… it’s probable. All you have to do is follow the tips and techniques in this post, and before you know it you’ll be a cool and confident public speaker.

But maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t know how to get started — how can I give my first speech?” I would recommend to everybody, if you haven’t given a speech in your life, make an occasion to go out and give a speech, and give it in different ways. 

Give a number of speeches, even if it’s just to a small audience or a close group of friends. This simple practice will help develop both your crystal and fluid intelligence – both needed for developing the skill of speaking. And try different formats: recite from a piece of paper, do partial recall from memory, speak verbatim from memory, or any way you prefer.

And whatever you do, have fun with it! Giving speeches is a great way to play a giant, satisfying brain game — as well as delivering value to others and setting yourself up as an expert in your field.

If you’re still feeling uncertain, there’s a mini-course in the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass about memorizing speeches that goes deeper into this topic. 

I suggest you start with the free course first and if you’re interested in speeches, and then dive into this part of the Masterclass after completing the core training. Sign up for the free course and make your memory magnetic.

How to Study for Finals (What No One Else Will Tell You)

You know when to start studying for finals: As early as possible.

You also know that you need to take care of your sleep, diet and fitness in order to study well.

Oh, and yes, this matters too:

The advice that you need to keep organized and make the most out of your classes and review sessions makes total sense.

Still, you have a nagging feeling that there must be better study tips for finals.

Knowledge that goes deeper.

Because you’re the kind of person who wants more than just a passing grade.

You’re the kind of learner who wants to enjoy an epic career.

You want the learning skills that will help pass all the “exams” in life.

Well, I’m a Ph.D. who spent eleven years in university and a decade teaching at universities around the world.

And on this page I’m going to share with you some of the most powerful study tips out there. Some of them you’ll have never heard of before.

Once you have them, you’ll be the student with all the advantages.

You’ll be the student who aces the finals.

And you’ll be the student who enjoys an epic career in any field you want because you’re the one who finally learned how to really learn.

Ready?

Let’s dive in!

https://youtu.be/r0NXI5o9CMo

How To Study For Finals: 10 Tips That Actually Work

As we go through this list, I’ll be sharing with you more than tips.

You’ll discover detailed examples of why and how these principles and strategies work so well. I’ll also give you scientific references and other research resources so you know that everything I’m suggesting is valid.

But here’s something really important to understand:

There is no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all study method.

You need to get involved in the process and tailor some of these strategies for yourself. And I’ll start with a powerful way you can do this in my first tip.

One: Clear Your Mind With This Simple Tool

It’s normal to be nervous when studying for exams. The mind kicks up all kinds of fears and we resist common sense thanks to all kinds of biases.

That’s why it’s important to always start the process of preparing for exams on the basis of mental strength, not weakness.

So to begin, start with this simple exercise:

Start a study journal“Mind dump” all of your anxieties about the exam onto paper (kind of like brainstorming)Analyze your fears and question why you have them

Once this is done, you can use the same journal to complete some of the steps discussed below.

If you prefer mindmapping, you can do that as an alternative to keeping a journal. I give a detailed example of how this exercise works on a mind map in this video.

This step works because when we have a bunch of worries on our mind, they keep arising until we deal with them. The Zeigarnik Effect describes why and how our minds become cluttered with unattended worries. And research shows that addressing those worries in a journal helps us eliminate them.

This ability is especially important when you’re dealing with boring topics, which every student does at some point in their learning career.

Two: Get The Big Picture

Yes, you absolutely want to get a head start when studying for finals. But even more importantly than starting early, it’s important to understand as much as possible before the semester begins.

When I was an undergrad, I used to contact the professors the day I registered in their courses. I asked them for the course syllabi so I could do three things in advance:

Enter all the assignment due dates into my calendarEnter all the exam dates into my calendarStart gathering and studying the reading list immediately

This process was critical for me because I worked sometimes up to three jobs when I was an undergrad. But getting this overview of the semester on a course-by-course basis will help even those who have student loans or grants and don’t have to work.

Indeed, later when I had grants of my own and didn’t need to hold so many jobs, I still used this approach.

As a result, I was always able to get my assignments done with time enough to revise them at least once. And I was also able to read beyond the assigned book list.

It takes 10-15 minutes to reach out to all of your teachers and arrange to get the syllabi in advance. If you can’t get in touch with them, contacting the department secretary also works. You can often swing by the departmental office to get an advance copy as well.

Three: Communicate Loud And Clear

Do you know that most interruptions are a choice?

You choose them when you don’t communicate your priorities to others.

Once you’ve received your syllabi and blocked off the entire semester in your calendar, you can give your friends and family a copy. Let them know how seriously you’re taking your studies and ask them to avoid interrupting you. Most people will be more than happy to support you.

Likewise, you want to make sure your employer knows well in advance of times when you’ll be dealing with assignments and exams. Since they’re only human and often dealing with multiple employees and a variety of seasonal projections, the earlier you let them know your scheduling needs, the more they’ll be able to treat you flexibly.

I did this all the time during university. All of my employees appreciated it very much and I wound up getting more overtime during the summers than anyone else at one of my jobs because I communicated so well. This scheduling boon meant that during the times I worked less so I could study more I wasn’t suddenly struggling financially.

Finally, you should always communicate with your teachers. For example, I’ve had jobs where there were opportunities to work more due to seasonal shifts. If there was an assignment conflict, I let my professors know and arranged for different dates.

I’ve even arranged alternative assignments and exams with professors that enabled me to miss many classes without harming my grade at all.

Four: Read Right The First Time

There’s a so-called “speed reading” expert named Howard Berg who proves that the Guinness World Records people have a sense of humor.

In fact, his record reads that Berg:

…has convinced a number of TV hosts that he comprehends and remembers what he scanned, perhaps not the details, but the concepts, with the details left for a later, slower reading.

When I teach people how to read faster, I skip the nonsense and teach you how to read right the first time. The method helps you avoid falling asleep while reading.

And you’ll learn all kinds of advanced ways to use flashcards, Anki and note taking.

If you want to learn the method in full, check out my blog post on memorizing textbooks. It allows you to read deeply, extract all the main points and rapidly commit them to memory.

That way, you will rarely have to go back to review a book again. Frankly, that takes too much time and simply shouldn’t be necessary.

Point being, skip the speed reading pseudoscience like subvocalization suppression and learn to read actively.

Five: Slow Down And Think

If you’re a slow reader, that might actually be a good thing as you’re learning how to study for finals.

That’s because too many students cram instead of using memory hacks and memory techniques. These techniques are very important because they give you more time to reflect.

Studies show that when you slow down and reflect on your current grades, future grades will improve.

Likewise, studies show you will understand difficult and confusing concepts better by reflecting on them. Physicist Richard Feynman was such an enthusiastic proponent of this study technique, they named it as a method after him.

Since then, many studies have shown that when you stop and take time to think without making it a formal study session, you’re using active recall. This process of using your mind helps you form memories quicker, memories that have lasting power that will serve you long after the finals are over.

Six: Write Summaries

Remember that journal I suggested you keep?

It will help you reflect in the ways I just mentioned. And writing is also a great way to help you remember what you’ve learned faster.

Scientists know that writing summaries helps you learn and remember faster, but some think they are hard to write.

In reality, summaries can be simple. In order to get the job done quickly and experience the benefits, I used to summarize entire books on index cards.

By limiting my notes to two sides of one card, I kept my focus on the biggest and most important ideas. Or, if I’m using a journal, I summarize using a maximum of two pages.

By doing this, I made sure that I wasn’t re-writing every detail of the book. I was just getting down the big picture, and by doing so, crystalized many of the granular details as well. Often, I would jot these out on the card as well in the form of bullet points.

So when I suggest that you prepare for finals by writing summaries, I’m not talking about writing epic essays. Just a few sentences will be tremendously helpful.

Seven: Choose Study Groups Carefully

Make no mistake:

Study groups can be absolutely fantastic.

But they can also be a giant time suck.

I’ve experienced both versions, and it often takes only one apple to ruin a bunch.

So I learned to have all the members of my study groups sign an oath of commitment.

Sure, this sounds stiff and formal, but it was tremendously beneficial.

On the same document, I codified how the study groups were to run and that way everyone had the plan in mind and knew what to expect.

The best part?

Because we were all disciplined and spent our time wisely as we covered the big points and the granular ideas we were responsible for on the finals, we enjoyed our free and informal time after the study sessions much more.

Eight: Avoid Topic Exhaustion

Learning fatigue is real, especially if you’re cramming.

Try interleaving instead.

Basically, this technique involves reading for a short period of time from one book and then switching to another.

You would think this would break your focus when reading, but it has been shown to boost how you’re paying attention. Switching between readings also increases diffuse thinking, an automatic process related to how implicit memory interacts with explicit memory.

What doesn’t work, however, is switching from reading to social media or watching movies. That has the opposite effect.

So I suggest you pile up a bunch of books while in the library, and rotate through them. This is what I look like when I’m interleaving to avoid topic exhaustion:

Nine: Study For Finals In Strategic Locations

There are many excellent places to study.

To get started finding them, read my article on the best study locations and then experiment with a bunch.

You can also come up with a “relocation schedule.”

To this day, I still like to move from location to location while reading and writing. I call it “roadwork” and as Alex Pang points out in Rest, rotating locations has been the key to the successes of many smart and accomplished people.

Ten: Use Ancient Memory Techniques

Long before books existed, our ancestors needed to carry voluminous amounts of information in their minds. Many of the learning techniques they used are still helpful today.

One of the key techniques is called the Memory Palace.

It takes a bit of setup, but it’s worth it.

You basically create a map of locations in your mind and then associate information with familiar rooms using mnemonic images.

If you need help learning this powerful technique, please grab my Free Memory Improvement Kit:

You’ll rapidly master it and enjoy an encyclopaedic memory as you sit for all your finals.

When To Start Studying For Finals

As I shared with you, I used to start studying for finals before the semester even began.

But the truth is that you ultimately have to answer that question for yourself.

The trick is to avoid making errors that cost you time and money because you have to retake exams or repeat entire semesters.

And to do that, look at your calendar as soon as possible.

Try to make the most reasonable projection and block out as much study time as possible.

Keep in mind that topic exhaustion is real and use the many techniques I shared today to compensate.

Although I’m pointing out that you’re ultimately on your own to make these decisions, you’re never alone.

For example, when you join my community, you’ll always have people to discuss study strategies with, people who look beyond the finals.

And that’s what I encourage you to do each and every day.

To avoid the biggest errors of all, look beyond your final exams and see life as a constant series of tests and quizzes.

Invest in your mind and memory a.s.a.p.  And learn the foundational memory techniques I share with the world so that you are a mental master who just happens to be a learner.

That way you will study using energy-creating power, and not the power-draining “force” of cramming so many other learners choose.

So what do you say?

Are you ready to prepare for your finals starting today?

Thanks for reading and enjoy the process of becoming a lean and mean learning machine!

 

Focus First/Memory Second For Business and Lifestyle Success? 2x USA Memory Champ Shares His Secrets

John Graham surprised me twice on the same day!

And if you know me, you know I’m not easily surprised.

So, what exactly made my jaw hit the floor?

First, I found out that John had won the USA Memory Championship… again.

I mean… who has the time for all that memory practice? Especially during times like these?

Then John tells me that focus is so much more useful than memory… and more lucrative too.

And to make matters even more confusing… John keeps telling people not to meditate in the morning?

Huh?

As a practitioner of meditation for decades, I really had to get to the bottom of all these incredible (and sometimes shocking) things John was saying.

And so I did in this EPIC discussion of how John really succeeds.

Not only to win memory competitions, but to experience an abundance of time freedom supported by a fantastic business.

And you’ll be surprised to discover that memory improvement training doesn’t even get second fiddle. Not when it comes to the tactics you really need.

After hearing what he has to say and giving it some consideration, I think it all makes sense.

And I think it will help you too.

So dive in for an epic discussion packed with takeaways, and…

Don’t worry!

I ask John to share some feedback on a little memory issue with mnemonic images I was having. So there are some next level memory secrets in this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxTpq...

Who Is John Graham?

John Graham is an entrepreneur, memory expert, memory athlete and winner of both the 2018 and 2019 USA Memory Championship.

In case you’re not familiar with what an accomplishment that is, let me explain:

You have to accurately recall a lot of information from multiple categories of information.

These categories change from competition to competition, but often include:

Memorizing playing cardsMemorizing long strings of digits using something like the Major System, Dominic System or PAO SystemPoetryAbstract imagesThe Memory-Focus Connection

But as John points out in today’s episode, memory isn’t so much the core of his success. It’s the ability to focus his mind that matters.

And the tactics and strategies that explain his ability to win also support his entrepreneurial success.

2x USA Memory Champion John Graham with competition founder Tony Dottino

If you’re an entrepreneur and would like to speak with John about your own focus, check out his Optimize My Mind page where you can book a time.

Obviously, John is very serious about helping entrepreneurs, and I know you’ll respect his wish to focus on your concentration, not your memory.

Because John’s right:

There’s an enormous amount of information about memory techniques out there. So if you still haven’t nailed memory techniques so you can use them in your business, it’s focus and concentration that are at stake.

Get that nailed, and so many other things will fall in place.

I second his argument completely because the same thing has been true for me.

And it always will be:

Focus first!

Can A Person With No Sense Of Direction Stop Getting Lost? A Conversation With Christopher Kemp

Ever found yourself turning down an unfamiliar street, only to struggle to retrace your steps?

Why does that happen?

How about back before GPS, when you would pull over to the side of the road and struggle with a map?

If you’ve experienced situations like these, there’s hope.

That’s because there’s one author in particular who has no sense of direction to speak of. And that feature of his mind makes him the perfect science writer to explore what direction is and how we might optimize our experience of it.

Even better, in Dark and Magical Places, Christopher Kemp explores how the brain produces your sense of direction.

You’ll also learn why some of us might struggle to keep on track or lose our way in space.

We delve into some of the common mistakes people make and get into some of the “metaphysics” behind space itself.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone struggling to get around your hometown, you’ll find this discussion useful.

I highly recommend reading Dark and Magical places and hope you enjoy this interview with Christopher Kemp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcGWE...

Dark And Magical Places Is An Excellent Read

There are many things I love about this book.

It’s well written and researched, for one thing.

But it also takes you into highly consequential situations, some of which you’ll have experienced yourself.

And if you ever find yourself lost in a dark place where the stakes are life and death, you’ll find key strategies that will help you keep yourself alive.

But above all, I love how the author makes learning about the science of navigation and the brain incredibly fun.

More Resources On Memory, Directions & Locations

A few years ago, I shared this quick video on applying memory techniques to memorizing any address:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2shz...

The approach relies on a combination of:

The Memory Palace techniqueThe Pegword MethodEither the Major System or a 00-99 PAO

If you’d like to improve your navigation skills and enjoy stronger cognitive mapping of the world, I can’t make any big promises. But it’s well-worth experimenting with techniques like these. Ancient people used them all the time, including a really cool “magical place” skill called the Songline.

And of course, these techniques will work even better when you’ve read Dark and Magical Places.

Check it out!