Memory

### Cold Open

Jason Silva: "Whether it's recalling your first day of school, recognizing a long-lost pal, or remembering where you parked your car, your memory shapes the story of your life. But sometimes that story isn't always an open book. We all like to think we have a good memory, right? Yet, whether you're studying for a test, or doing a work presentation, or just trying to find your keys, sometimes you can't remember things. Back before the written word, humans had to rely entirely on their brain to memorize things. They'd sing songs, tell stories, or use primitive drawings to record memories. It was effective, but not foolproof. Thanks to the written word, suddenly we could record memories, in a way that wouldn't deteriorate in books. Now, today, most of use rely heavily on computers, tablets and cell-phones to record what we need to remember. But memory still holds the key to molding our personalities, relationships, and how well we do at work or school. So it's a good idea to get better at remembering."

## Games

### Game #1: Cards

Play games with cards. Try to remember info.

Result: The first time you played, you didn't know what to look for. The second time around you focused on the numbers due to the fact that a question was asked about it, and you ended up, fooled.

So: Your memory is like an email inbox and you choose what to keep, and what to toss away.

### Game #2: The Technique

Memory champ Nelson Dellis is challenged by volunteers at a memory test of remembering animals. Can you do any better?

Result: Nelson is able to remember all 20 animals. But how? If you likely struggled once the first few animals came in.

How: By using vivid imagery, you can improve your memory.

### Game #3: Short-Term

Remember a big number. But it since has no long-term importance, your brain just forgot it.

Result: You aren't able to remember the number.

Why: Your short-term memory is well, short, and the cap of information is limited, usually 4 or 5 items, which is why you remember the check at a restaurant, but not a 9-digit number.

### Game #4: Break It Up

Memorize a 10-digit phone number. Can you?

Result: You probably did, but how?

How: You used chunking to break apart numbers and remember more easily. Adding some dashes causes your brain to treat it as fewer items.

#### Brain Booster:

When you experience "thrill", your brain releases adrenaline. How does adrenaline affect your brain? Does It:

A. Make You Tired

B. Enhance Your Memory

C. Increase your appetite?

The correct answer is B. Studies shows have that we vivid memories of anything that gives us an adrenaline rush.

### Game #5: The Memory Play

To remember... or not to remember... Just pay attention to the actor's lines.

Result: If you heard the names of fruits, you have a good memory. But if you heard the word fruit, your brain is to blame.

Why: Memories are arranged into a network, so by saying one word, activates association. Names of fruits were mentioned a lot, so it makes it more likely that you heard the word fruit when it wasn't really there.

#### Mini-Game: First Memory

Remember your first memory, as far back as you can. Does that memory have a emotion attached to it?

Result: Probably.

Why: Long-term memories often have direct emotions, like being nervous on a first date or a happy vacation.

### Game #6: The Palace

Place the continents in a memory palace. Imagine a home. Then take a walk.

Result: If you did it correctly, you should have remembered most.

### Game #7: A, B and C.

Memorize 10 items along with our volunteers.

Result: Even if you remembered, it was probably quite hard. If you remembered five or more, you're good.

So what's the secret? Create a fun phrase using the first letter of each word. There's examples of acrostics.

Result: You probably did better than the first time.

So: Acrostics are a great way of remembering.