The Internet is loaded with information about memory improvement.
But which resources are legit? And what counts as “legit” anyway?
There are a few ways to answer this question.
As a PhD, author and student of memory science, I validate resources created by various people in this field according to proof.
For example, I have interviewed a lot of people who have won memory competitions. That’s a kind of proof.
Much more interesting to me are memory champions who have mastered at least one other language. They have not only used their memory skills to pull off what are effectively stunts. They’ve also applied those techniques to substantial learning goals.
Then you have all the testimonials from my students. One of my favorite comes from Amanda Markham, who blogged about how quickly she learned an Aboriginal language using the Magnetic Memory Method. (PDF version.)
There’s more proof that these techniques work than anyone has time to read. But if you ever have questions about the evidence or any of the trainings I provide, or that you find elsewhere, please get in touch.
Or, give the page of memory improvement resources you’re visiting now a solid read. It contains the best resources about memory techniques I’m aware of and that I find to be the most useful and important. They’ve helped me throughout my career, including memorizing delivering one of the most-viewed TEDx Talks about memory online.
Powerful Memory Improvement Resources
If you like listening to memory experts and memory athletes share their knowledge, you can find the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast on iTunes. You’ll benefit from listening to every episode. Or, if you prefer video, check out my YouTube Channel where you can join over 100,000 subscribers.
My Favorite Fellow Memory Experts
There are many fantastic people who have proven they can use memory techniques and gone on to write books or create courses.
In this section, I’ll list only those who have proven their skills either by giving a meaningful demonstration or performing well at a memory competition.
One: Harry Lorayne
Harry Lorayne is one of the ultimate masters and a huge influence on my thinking. The Memory Book: The Classic Guide to Improving Your Memory at Work, at School and at Play is a wonderful memorization resource.
Two: Tony Buzan
You’ll also want to read Tony Buzan. I recommend Use Your Perfect Memory. I’ve written a quick profile of Buzan and have met him personally. We spoke recently and you can listen in here.
I’ve also discussed combining mind maps with Memory Palaces with world mind mapping champion Phil Chambers. Here’s a picture of all three of us together at a memory training event:
Three: Joshua Foer
A recent memory book that has gotten everyone talking is Joshua Foer’s Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything . It has an appearance by Tony Buzan in it that is a delight to read.
Both Buzan and Foer’s success with memorization skills is absolutely stunning. Some people say that this book is filled with too much theory, but I disagree. Moonwalking with Einstein is actually a compelling story of triumph from a person who doubted the most amazing memorization strategy ever invented and then used it to make magic. Yes, I’m talking about the Memory Palace technique that has been so important for thousands of years.
Four: Dominic O’Brien
Perhaps my favorite audio program is Dominic O’Brien’s Quantum Memory Power: Learn to Improve Your Memory. O’Brien narrates the book himself, making it a wonderful experience. His passion for memorization techniques really shines through. You can read the quick Magnetic Memory Method profile of O’Brien for more information.
Five: Mega Memory
You’ve probably seen Kevin Trudeau hawking his products on late night television infomercials. Don’t groan when I mention him, however, and don’t let talk of him being a scam artist turn you away. His Mega Memory is one of the best memory products I’ve ever encountered, particularly for memorizing a deck of cards. The dude talks a lot, but in Mega Memory, everything he promises is right there, ready to be learned. If you’re patient with his style, I’m confident you’ll benefit from the techniques once you start putting them into action.
Six: Nelson Dellis
Want to win a memory competition? You need to listen to 5-times USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis’ in-depth explanation of how to win.
Nelson is also the author of the excellent books Remember It! and Memory Superpowers.
Seven: Lynne Kelly
When it comes to combining memory science, competition and language learning, look no further than Lynne Kelly. Her books The Memory Code, Memory Craft and The Language Gene are outstanding.
Eight: Derren Brown On How To Remember Anything
Tricks of the Mind is Derren Brown’s third book. It includes a very powerful chapter on memorization that will take you further on your journey as a memory artist.
Nine: Gabriel Wyner
I don’t mention apps very often due to the problem of digital amnesia. But as the author of the excellent Fluent Forever and creator of the Fluent Forever app, Gabriel Wyner is more than just someone writing books and designing software.
As a former opera singer, he has learned multiple languages and really knows his stuff.
Ten: Books On The Art of Memory
When it comes to the “best” books, there are dozens of Memory Palace books well-worth reading. If you’re interested in the history of these techniques, I suggest you check out The Art of Memory by Frances Yates.
She’ll help you understand how people like Aristotle described mnemonic methods in books like on On Memory and Reminiscence.
Ad Herennium is also worth checking out. I’ve discussed the memory parts of Rhetorica Ad Herennium in-depth as well.
Thomas Aquinas has a lot to say on memory, along with St. Augustine.
Finally, consider looking at the Renaissance memory masters, Robert Fludd and Giordano Bruno. Bruno’s best translator in my view is John Michael Greer.
Memory Improvement Resources For Language Learning
Many of the students in the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass come to me for help with learning a new language.
As someone who has learned several languages and passed exams around the world, I have a whole series of articles for you about memory and language learning.
The key thing to keep in mind is that you memorize the pronunciation words as optimally as possible. To help with that, make sure you’re aware of Forvo. It’s a dictionary that lets you hear native speakers around the world pronouncing words and phrases. It often gives you regional variations, which can be priceless.
Memory Techniques For Learning Math, Medicine & Science
Did you know that there’s a doctor who works in radiology who has also won the World Memory Championship three times? His name is Alex Mullen and he uses mnemonics in interesting ways to help him keep up with the vast amount of knowledge involved in medicine.
The sciences typically require you to remember numbers. For that, most mnemonists use a technique called the Major System.
Once you have that, it will be so much easier for you to combine medical terminology mnemonics with the numbers that often come up. For example, you can use memory techniques to help you rapidly learn:
- Postural drainage positions
- Tarsal bones
- Carpal bones
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Brachial plexus
- Sacral plexus
- Purines
- The order of the draw
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Glycolysis
- Cranial nerves
- Many other aspects of anatomy
Fun Memory Improvement Activities
It’s easy to look to mnemonics strictly for learning outcomes.
But there are other things you can do using memory techniques.
These include:
- Brain games
- Brain exercises
- Neurobics
- Mind mapping
- Critical thinking
- Visualization
- Learning about memory science and research findings
- Taking action to keep your brain sharp as you age
I hope you’ve enjoyed the resources I’ve shared on this page.
However, as profound as this material can be for people serious about boosting memory, I know that reading articles isn’t always the most effective way for all people to learn.
So if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. I read all of my email personally and will get back to you a.s.a.p.
