Michael Tipper - Instant recall: tips and techniques to master your memory

INSTANT
RECALL

Many complain of their memory,
few of their judgment.

Benjamin Franklin (170690)

Michael Tipper

INSTANT
RECALL

Tips and Techniques
to Master Your Memory

CONTENTS

DAD, IM DEDICATING THIS TO YOU.

The saying, Those who can, do. Those who cant, teach, certainly does not apply to Michael Tipper. Not only did Michael prove a formidable opponent to me at The World Memory Championships, he is also an expert trainer in Accelerated Learning principles.

In this enlightening book, a whole range of sound, tried-and-tested memory techniques is comprehensively explained by this master of memory. In fact, Michael is more than a master, as he was awarded the coveted title of Grand Master of Memory as well as gaining the Silver Medal at the World Memory Championships.

Michael trained his memory to compete at worldclass level for one very good reason to demonstrate that anyone can harness simple concepts to dramatically improve their mental functioning and to achieve success in their field, a sentiment I share with him.

Not only did Michael do this convincingly, but his real talent lies in explaining the most effective ways of using mind techniques for practical benefit. Over 65,000 people have experienced his dynamic presentations, and over half a million children have benefited from his educational programmes. I am therefore delighted to recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their memory whether in the home, in the workplace or at school.

Dominic OBrien

Eight-Times World Memory Champion

Many people think that they have a bad memory and, if youve picked up this book, Im guessing that you do, too. I know exactly how you feel, because some years ago I thought exactly the same and, just as you are now, I began searching for answers to solve what I thought was my problem.

At the time, I was just 16 years old and had joined the Royal Navy as a naval apprentice, eager to learn my new trade. Although Id done reasonably well at school, I soon discovered that the Navy was a very different learning environment from the classroom, and I began to struggle, especially with having to remember so much new information so quickly. I naturally assumed my memory was at fault and sought ways to improve it. I soon discovered, though, that there was nothing wrong with my memory: it was just that I didnt know how to use it.

I found a memory course advertised in a newspaper, very quickly mastered some simple techniques, and began passing my exams with ease. With my new skills, I quickly impressed my superiors and was selected for officer training. I then went on to complete a degree in engineering and subsequently joined the Royal Navys elite Submarine Service.

My later naval training tested my memory and learning skills even further, and I regularly came top of most of the courses I attended, even when my fellow students were more talented and able than myself. The only difference between us was that I had equipped myself with better learning strategies.

Eventually, I found myself telling more and more of my colleagues and friends about how to improve their memory and learning skills, and discovered a passion and a talent for sharing these ideas and helping people develop. At about the same time, I entered the World Memory Championships; at my second attempt I won the Silver Medal and became a Grand Master of Memory.

My success led to a professional speaking career, and over the last few years Ive personally worked with over 65,000 people all over the world and have developed programmes that have been taught to over half a million people.

From my own experience and from all the work Ive done with countless people over the years, I know that you can improve your memory by understanding how it works and by discovering some basic ideas that anyone can apply. This book has captured all of the most powerful strategies Ive used, and helped others use to great effect to get more from their memory and improve their recall.

Decide for yourself whether you need this book by reading the statements opposite. Simply answer yes, no or sometimes. If you answer yes or sometimes to five or more of the statements, this book will definitely help you. Even though you might think you have a problem with your memory, Im delighted to tell you that you probably dont. The only thing thats wrong is that you dont know how to use it because I doubt whether anyone ever taught you.

This book will take you step by step through some simple techniques and strategies (the how) that will not only improve your memory, but also your levels of concentration and mental agility.

I have difficulty remembering the names of people Ive just met.

I have difficulty remembering the names of people I met longer than a few weeks ago.

I often walk into a room to get something and cant remember what it is.

I often forget where Ive left my keys/purse/glasses.

I have on occasion parked the car and been unable to find it.

I regularly miss important appointments because Ive forgotten about them.

Im well known for missing friends and relatives birthdays and anniversaries.

I have to write down the PIN number for my ATM card.

If I lost my phone and had to call the service provider, Id have no idea what number to ring.

I always avoid standing up and talking to groups of people because I know Im going to forget what I have to say.

I spend hours reading all sorts of material and can hardly remember anything about what Ive read.

I think that, as Im getting older, my memory is getting worse.

I find myself saying things like I have a terrible memory or I always forget.

I almost expect to forget something that I was supposed to remember.

Id like to learn something new but dont think my memory is up to it.

Youll develop extremely powerful recall when you follow the simple techniques in this book. However, before you embark on them, it will help if you understand some of the reasons why your memory might appear to you to be unsatisfactory, together with some of the basics that will form the foundation of your memory improvement skills.

This chapter will look at why people like you forget, showing you that this is not necessarily because youre getting older. Ill tell you a little bit about the brain and how you file away and recall your memories, as well as about the key principles of a strong memory. Ill also give you a five-step plan that, if followed, will guarantee your success in improving your memory.

Before we look at what you can do to enhance your memory, its useful to realize why we forget. The factors that affect our ability to recall are related to the information were receiving, the mental and physical state were in both at the time and afterwards, and some of the processes that naturally occur in the brain.

There are various causes of forgetfulness, which can affect us all at different times:

Not interested if youre not interested in something, it is unlikely that you will pay any attention to it.
As a result, you wont be able to understand, learn about or remember it.

Not concentrating this is linked to not being interested. If something doesnt capture your attention, you wont concentrate on it. If youre not concentrating and are thinking about something else, you wont take the new information in, however crucial it might be to remember it.