It is a well established fact that the mind easily remembers images. Visual mnemonic systems take advantage of this fact to create systems that allow you to commit virtually unlimited amounts of information to memory. Using imagery can make learning more fun and interesting — especially when compared to repetitive learning by rote.
Incredible memory feats
Visual mnemonic techniques have been used by world record holders that have committed huge amounts of information to memory. I once took a memory course from a world record holder that had used these techniques to memorized 52 decks of cards shuffled together randomly. While we generally don’t need to memorize decks of cards, these same techniques and systems can be used to memorize everything from shopping lists to school test material.
Visual mnemonic basics
Visual mnemonic techniques generally involve two tasks:
- Forming mental images
- Making associations between images
The better your ability to perform the above two tasks the better you will be able to take advantage of the visual mnemonic systems. Fortunately these tasks aren’t very difficult to begin with and they get easier with practice.
These techniques are described in detail on the creating effective visual imagery page. To see how these techniques are used to create powerful memory systems, see the mnemonic systems page.
For a practical guide to improving your memory, please take a look at my review of Ron White’s Memory in a Month course
More Information
Creating Effective Visual ImageryRelated Pages
Visual MnemonicsVerbal Mnemonics
Limitations of Mnemonics
Mnemonic Systems
Applications of Mnemonic Systems