Do you want to have a guaranteed way to remember important information?  Then this week’s post is for you!

We’re going to examine the ‘peg memory system’.   Using this system we create specific, unusual images in our minds.  These images stay constant and act like “pegs” on which we can “hang” what we need to remember.

Once you have this system installed in your mind, you can recall items in many ways: forwards in sequence or backwards in sequence.

Here’s how it works:

1. Create your ‘pegs’ these are you permanent representations of the numbers  1- 10 and should have a similar shape (create them as large colorful visual imagesthey can have movement and sound too) and memorize them. This may take between 15 minutes and half an hour.

 

The list below has some suggestions of the images that can be used to represent numbers 1 -10

  1. A skyscraper, or a pencil, or a sword
  2. A swan
  3. A hill tipped on its side
  4. A sailboat
  5. A snake, or a hook
  6. A golf club
  7. An axe
  8. A snowman
  9. A balloon on a stick
  10. A bat and ball, or Laurel and Hardy

2. It may be helpful to draw them. Write them down as a numbered list. The crazier they are the easier they will be to remember.

Take a list of ten random things or ideas, such as…

Elephant

Tin of beans

Chair

Shirt

Cuecumber

TV

Carpet

Wheel

Football

Light bulb

3. Have someone read each item from the list, one at a time,.  Attach the information that you want to remember to the peg.   For example, if you’re trying to remember an elephant, and your first peg is a skyscraper, picture a massive skyscraper with an elephant balanced on top.  Once you’ve affixed the image in your mind, move to the next peg and attach the next piece of information that you want to remember.

4. Once you have your items attached to pegs, you’ll find that you’re able possible to recall the items in sequence backwards, forwards, or randomly — even if you are given the number of the peg and asked piece of information is hanging on it.

What are some of YOUR favourite ways to remember important information?

For more information on how you can become a powerful business communicator, download a complimentary copy of our groundbreaking new ebook, “The Leader’s Guide to Clear and Effective Communication“.

 

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Roger Terry

Director of Training and Coaching at Evolution Training Ltd
Roger Terry is one of the world’s leading experts on applying NLP to drive excellence both professionally and personally. Roger leads seminars and consults with companies all over the world, including in the UK, USA, Europe and Middle East. He is the author of several books, including The Hidden Art of Interviewing, NLP and Qualitative Research, NLP for Teachers and The NLP Toolkit.