HOW TO
Master your memory
Memrise: Speak a new language
Learn it like you live there
We were barely functioning adults when we were in our early twenties, but Ed Cooke is different. When he was 23, he was crowned Grand Master of Memory, which means he’s able to memorise the order of ten decks of cards and 1,000 random digits in under an hour, among other feats.
He outlined these techniques in detail in his first book and later, not content with all his achievements, he started Memrise. The language-learning app boasts a fun, gamified, easy-to-grasp system based on the techniques Cooke perfected to such a breathtaking degree. So, given that sometimes we walk into rooms having forgotten completely why we did so, we asked him for his five most important tips to help us – and most importantly, you – learn anything. Over to Ed:
“The brain loves bite-sized, and everything can be learned when divided into little chunks, no matter how difficult it may first seem. So when you begin learning something, first chop it into digestible morsels. Your brain will thank you later.”
“Memories are connections, and every new memory must link to something already known. So when learning something new, always ask: what does this remind me of? What can I connect it to? How I can I make that connection vivid?”
“We are visual creatures, and most of our brains are devoted to sensing. So turn what you’re learning into an image. The brighter, more colourful and more fun the image, the more memorable – almost by definition.”
“Recalling knowledge is the best way to strengthen it. So constantly test yourself as you learn, which helps beef up your memories, and makes them faster and more reliable.”
“Of all ways of connecting knowledge together in our minds, stories are the most powerful. So if you have a collection of ideas to learn, try linking them into an entertaining narrative. And don’t forget to practise saying the narrative out loud. That’s the best way to strengthen it.”