This week I want to tell you about a nifty system to remember numbers that I read about in Kevin Horsley’s book, Unlimited Memory. Here is how it works:
Each number is represented by a sound. The letters A, E, I, O, U, W, H and Y are filler letters that “don’t count” and are used to make words from the sounds that represent the sequence of digits you want to remember.
Learn the sounds that stand for each number, then create words using filler letters to form sentences or phrases you can easily remember and convert back into numbers.
Here is the list of sounds associated with each number:
0 = s, z, or soft c (think of a hissing wheel)
1 = T or d (think of the upright line in these letters)
2 = N (picture the 2 as a sideways N)
3 = M (picture the 3 as sideways M)
4 = R (a bit of a stretch, but superimpose a 4 on top of the R…)
5 = L (picture your hand with fingers together and thumb extended, forming an L ...like the loser thing but with all 5 fingers)
6 = J, SH, soft CH, soft G (6 could be imagined as looking like a writing J, and the other sounds are similar)
7 = K, hard C
8 = F, V (associate the digit 8 with a hand-written curvy f)
9 = b, p (can you see the 9’s there?)
This visual version might help you remember more easily...
So, here is an example. An old phone number I once had is 506 – 458 – 0201. Using the code above, and a little imagination, I came up with “lazy Jerry - life snoozed” (no one says it has to make sense -just make it something you can remember!). With practice, you’ll be able to quickly code and decode lists of numbers you need to remember.
In summary, there are several things you can do to improve your memory.
Learn and use memory systems to attach new information to old memories/knowledge
Use senses, exaggeration, and action when using memory systems to make new knowledge more memorable
Eliminate blocks to improving memory: multitasking, stress, being unwilling to try
Review information regularly to form solid long-term memories
Practice techniques regularly to improve
Reference: Unlimited Memory by Kevin Horsley - an entertaining read!
If you're interested in reading this book, it is available at Amazon.com or Amazon.ca
