Instant Recall: Keys to Memory Mastery

MNEMONICS is the art of memory - dating back to ancient Greece & Rome. It’s a collection of principles, methods, and approaches that taps into the innate learning capacity of the brain to make memorisation easier.

ASSOCIATION is the fundamental principle of memory. By mentally associating a new idea to our existing knowledge, we can incorporate new learning by linking pieces of information, mirroring the brain's network of neurons and neural pathways.

IMAGINATION can be used to engage our child-like capacity to learn. By creating imaginative mental pictures and incorporating the senses, we are able to recall seemingly obscure items of knowledge.

EXAGGERATION can be used in combination with mental imagery for better memory recall. For example, items of a shopping list can be imagined as larger-than-life, in fantastical motion, or in vast quantities.

The NUMBER-SHAPE SYSTEM is a commonly-used mnemonic device, traditionally taught in schools. For memorizing short lists of items, it's a good starting place for delving deeper into mnemonics.

RHYME & RHYTHM are principles also used in memory for generations. Nursery rhyme, folk song, hymn, and poetry passed down via oral tradition each make use of the principles of rhyme and rhythm to enhance memorability.

RADIANT THINKING is a term coined by Tony Buzan, creator of Mind Mapping, relating to the way Mind Maps echo the neural structure of the brain. Radiant thinking encourages 'whole brain thinking' for greater creativity, understanding, and recall.

LOCATION is another principle first used in the ancient world. By creating a memory ‘room’ in the imagination, items can be placed in sequence within this imaginary location, and therefore more easily retrieved/recalled.

NARRATIVE - by tapping into our brain's natural capacity to turn sequences of events into narrative stories, we can utilize storytelling and metaphor to convey complex factual ideas and topics more easily and facilitate learning.

SPACED REPETITION - using specific timing for repetition and revision of information over a period of time can aid long-term recall. Using a program of spaced repetition in combination with other memory techniques can be highly effective.