Quick, Write This Down!
I occasionally get complimented on my relatively good ability to remember a lot of things, like our business systems and processes, past efforts, and the like (as well as Marvel Comics minutiae). Additionally, I am fairly good at translating that stuff I know to different audiences from deeply technical to the “Explain It Like I’m Five” folks. I thought I’d share a few tips here on these, as I think they are both somewhat related.
+”The Basics” –“cat videos”
There’s a lot on the Internet for tips and tricks, so plenty there you can try (but not Twitter or Facebook. I think they probably destroy your memory at this point). Obvious basics like “PAY ATTENTION!” when you are getting new info, taking notes, revisiting those notes, etc.
Here’s a secret, though. I don’t always know the answer. But I am good at finding the answer. You are often better off learning to know where the important information sources are, where the documentation is stored, and how to enter effective search criteria. This will greatly improve your ability to retrieve what you need and will also make you start to think “why couldn’t you just search for it?” when your peers ask you for particular details.
I Can’t Read Your Handwriting
One thing that really helped me build up memory skill (and I admit, I don’t do it anymore, but think it helped mold my brain) is to write out notes by hand, as you are learning. I did this for years, always bringing a notebook with me to capture new info. Then, to further solidify it, when I had a moment of quiet time (yes, that was a thing!) I would type those notes up; taking my written shorthand and expanding it out to full sentences with more clarifying detail. This also gives you the opportunity to re-organize the notes into more logical grouping and order, an activity that I think helps that ability to explain what you learned to others.
A Picture’s Worth A ________ Words
I’m a long-time video gamer, and one thing I’ve taken from that is I start to look at a lot of things like they are puzzles. When I’m learning a new business process, for example, can I get the data/product/person from Start to End? What am I missing? Can I diagram it as a visual flow? There are a few great things about creating diagrams: most apparent is you are creating documentation that can be shared with others. But for the creator, it forces you to think through all the pieces, filling in gaps, restructuring it, understanding the boundaries of the boxes, and further cementing it all in your mind.
Added benefit: if you think of it as a puzzle or game, there is more satisfaction when you “solve” it. This makes it more likely that you don’t give up on it. (At least, for me.)
Those Who Can’t (Maybe Can?)
This is a weird one, and probably a personal one. I think it is fairly well known that being able to teach something to another person indicates you have a good handle on it yourself. At some point, I started to mentally “teach” new concepts I'm digesting to imaginary, challenging students. Here’s some examples. My parents were both teachers, but my mom was definitely not technical or computer savvy. So, I would imagine teaching her computing concepts, but having to put them into terms she could understand. Sometimes, I’ll imagine people from past time periods that would have other hurdles in understanding modern day references, like Ben Franklin or other revolutionary era people, or an ancient Greek philosopher (take your pick. The hardest part is learning to imagine that you can speak Greek). I said this was weird, but I find it forces me to carefully think through the terms I use to explain things, which in turn means I really must understand the topic. This has helped both with the retention of it, and in giving me some perspective when explaining foreign concepts to audiences that may not be equipped for them.
MEM READ ERROR; Prepare for Shutdown
So, this was more of a personal tricks list, but I hope you find something that helps. Mainly, it comes down to focus and repetition. And if all else fails and you don’t remember, just speak quickly and confidently, and no one will know the difference.
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