Forgetfulness can be frustrating, especially when it comes to misplacing everyday items or struggling to retain important information. However, a simple trick can help combat these memory lapses: saying things out loud.
When you verbalize your actions or the information you want to remember, you engage multiple senses and create a stronger memory imprint. By involving your auditory cortex, you provide your brain with an additional input layer, making the memory more distinct and easier to recall later.
This technique extends beyond physical objects. Research has shown that reading study materials aloud to yourself, known as the “production effect,” can significantly improve long-term retention. You create a more robust memory trace by actively engaging with the information through speech.
To apply this hack in your daily life, try the following:
Narrate your actions: When performing tasks or placing items in specific locations, verbalize your actions. This extra step takes minimal effort but can make a big difference in recall.
Read aloud: When studying or trying to memorize information, read the material out loud to yourself. This active participation helps cement the knowledge in your long-term memory.
Teach others: Explaining concepts or ideas to someone else requires you to articulate the information clearly. This process reinforces your own understanding and memory of the subject matter.
Use mnemonic devices: Incorporate verbal cues into memory techniques like acronyms or rhymes. Saying these devices aloud adds an extra layer of encoding.
Applications
Preparing for an exam: While reviewing notes or flashcards, read the material aloud, actively engaging with the content. This verbal repetition enhances long-term retention and improves performance on test day.
Memorizing lines: By reciting lines aloud and practising with a partner, you create a multisensory experience that helps ingrain the script in your memory. The combination of verbal and auditory cues strengthens the memory trace.
Following a recipe: While preparing a dish, read the recipe steps aloud, verbalizing each ingredient and instruction. “I’m adding two cups of flour, a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter cup of sugar.” By engaging with the recipe through speech, you reinforce your memory of the process, making it easier to recall the steps and measurements in the future.
Packing for a trip: As you go through your packing list, say each item aloud while placing it in your suitcase. “I’m packing my blue sweater, my black pants, and my comfortable shoes.” This verbal confirmation helps create a mental inventory, reducing the chances of forgetting essential items.
You can significantly boost your memory by harnessing the power of speaking up. This simple yet effective hack taps into the brain’s natural ability to create stronger connections when multiple senses are engaged. So, the next time you want to remember something, don’t just think about it—say it aloud and let your words pave the way to recall better.
