Memory Improvement Techniques

Avoid frustrating memory loss. Retain and recall more information.

	Play this video for our quick guide to this page.

It's a classic situation - you meet someone new, and then moments later you've forgotten their name! Names, passwords, pin and telephone numbers... the list is endless - with so much to memorize is it really possible to improve how much you can remember?

The good news is "yes"! Just like every muscle in your body, the adage "use it or lose it" applies, so the more you exercise your brain, the more you will remember.

Practice the memory techniques below and improve your recall of information, increase the speed with which you can learn, remember detailed, structured information and, yes, new names too!

The first article explains the use of memory techniques ("mnemonics"). The articles then move on to discuss useful tools to increase memory retention and then finish by looking at how to use these skills in practice. To read articles in sequence, click "Next article" at the bottom of the page and for other useful links, see the suggested extension resources below.

Enjoy reading these articles!

	Memory Techniques - Start Here!
	Remembering a Simple List - The Link Method and Story Method
	Remembering Ordered Lists - The Number/Rhyme Mnemonic
	Remembering Ordered Lists - The Number/Shape Mnemonic
	Remembering Middle Length Lists - The Alphabet Technique
	Remembering Long Lists - The Journey System
	Remembering Grouped Information - The Roman Room System
	Remembering Very Long Numbers - The Major System
	Using Concept Maps to Remember Structured Information
	Memory Games - Have fun while you improve your memory
	How to... Learn a Foreign Language
	How to... Remember Information for Exams
	How to... Remember People's Names
	How to... Remember Lists and Long Numbers
Next steps:
	Download the Memory Techniques Section - download the public articles in the Mind Tools memory techniques section in PDF format. Print or store on your PC to review at your leisure.
	Subscribe to our FREE eNewsletter – discover new career skills every two weeks AND receive "Remember!", our Memory Improvement Workbook worth US$9.99 FREE when you subscribe! Subscribe here, and download now!
	Join the Mind Tools Career Excellence Club - benefit your life and career with online access to skills training, resources, coaching and support from professional trainers and our unique community. FREE workbooks and special introductory offers currently available! Click here to find out more.

The next article introduces you to memory improvement techniques and how to use them in practice. To read it, click "Next article", below. And for other useful techniques, see the suggested links underneath.

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Where to go from here:		Join the Mind Tools Club		Free eNewsletter
		Download and Print		Next article

Extension Resources (are free articles included in the Mind Tools E-book.)

Acrostics - Memory curiosities
Improve Your Memory - Developing your ability to remember
Information and Study Skills - Learn techniques about how to handle large volumes of information
Mind Tools Stress Management Web site - deal with job-related stress with our range of self-help and support resources.
Tool/Resource Finder - Explore every Mind Tools article by skill area, in list format

A full list of Mind Tools articles is available here.

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