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How to memorize sequences, such as directions, orders, and processes.
Context:
I’m currently taking the Recall Masterclass from Kwik Learning right now, and as part of the homework, I am to teach what I learned each class to other people. The class is taught by Jim Kwik, a renowned brain coach. Since I’m a blogger, I’d like to share my notes with all of you. I hope you can use the knowledge and practice the methods to improve your memory as well.
Class 8: Step by Step Smarts + Review
Image Source: Unsplash
Often times, we need to be able to remember things in specific order. For example, directions, recipes, and processes. This class reviews past memory tools and applies them to
Memorizing directions
Memorizing orders
Memorizing processes
1. Memorizing Directions
Let’s say you need to ask for directions, and you don’t want to rely on a GPS because you want to avoid digital dementia.
Use TIP = Turn Into Picture.
For example, let’s say you need to go somewhere and the person tells you
1. Turn left at Starbucks
2. Turn right on Robinson Street
To turn left into a picture, think of something that reminds you of “left”. Jim uses leaf because it sounds kind of like left. Other people use leftovers. You pick whatever reminds you of left. For “right”, Jim uses a pen because you write with a pen. Other people use a plane because that reminds them of the Wright Brothers.
So for the above two directions, you can imagine a leaf on Starbucks to remind you to turn left. Then you imagine a robin bird scribbling stuff with a pen to remind you to turn right on Robinson street.
You can also use the Loci Method from class 5 here. Imagine yourself in your home, and the first location has a Starbucks with a leaf there. The second location has a robin writing with a pen.
2. How Waiters Memorize Orders
While most of us aren’t waiters, we can learn from their methods and apply it to our own situations or jobs.
First, waiters will ask customers if they have any questions about the menu before taking the orders. From a memory perspective, you don’t want the customer to interrupt your memory process with a question.
Second, they use kinesthetic (body) motions like pointing to the location on the menu. That becomes a physical anchor that can bring back the memory later.
Third, they repeat the order verbally. This helps to check that they heard your order correctly and gives them more time to encode it into their memory.
Fourth, they have organization systems in their head. For example, each seat has a letter and number (e.g., A5, B3, etc.). They can turn your order into a picture and attach it to that seat’s unique letter and number. Or they might even attach the picture of your order to your face or something you’re wearing.
Fifth, they memorize the whole menu. Then when customers tell them an order, they can imagine themselves going through the menu and marking on it.
Sixth, they use the 80/20 rule by memorizing the top 20% of orders occur 80% of the time. They’ll make sure they can remember these high-frequency orders really well.
3. Memorizing Processes
You can use the chain linking story method from class 4 or the Loci Method from class 5. Jim gives uses the Sandler Selling System as an example:
Bonding and rapport
Up front contracts
Pain
Budget
Decision
Fulfillment
Post-sale
In this process, the steps must be done in order. To memorize this, first, you need to understand each step. Then you can use the memory tools we learned so far.
One way is to use the chain linking story method.
Bonding — imagine hand cuffs
Contracts — imagine being handcuffed to a contract
Pain — imagine hurting your hand
Budget — imagine paying money to get a cast for your hand
Decision — imagine a tree, but it’s a decision tree not a plant tree
Fulfillment — imagine you’re really happy and fulfilled to see the tree
Post sale — imagine posting sticky notes on the tree
Another way is to use the Loci Method. Everyone has their own Loci location, so Jim didn’t give an example.
Homework
Practice remembering sequences, such as directions and processes.