THE MEMORIZATION PROCESS CONTINUED - Part III

ARTISTS - TOTAL RECALL - It's all in there, now let's get it back out. Before we roll out any further with this lesson on MEMORIZATION, be sure to read Part 1 first. Having said that... When considering methods to optimize memorization, you may come across something to this effect --"MEMORIZATION is a method of learning that allows an individual to recall information VERBATIM." (see definition) DEFINITIONS... VERBATIM: in exactly the same words as were used originally - word for word So, let's take a look at a little device called - - MNEMONICS. Pronounced new_mon_ics. A mnemonic is a triggering device that assists in remembering something. Generally an association of many sorts that helps convert information from SHORT TERM memory to LONG TERM memory. Thus, enabling you to recall or "remember" things easier.   EXAMPLE: Take, for instance, any line of dialog. Now isolate the true MEANING of that line. What does that line mean to you? Draw a familiar association to that meaning, fill it with information... color, sound, feeling...and put it into action (the glue). Place it somewhere on/in your person (body), and pinch it. That's correct, pinch that part of you (careful where you place the info). Now, let some time pass and pinch that location again. If you've done everything correctly, that information (line of dialog) should come back to you....just as you stored it. If not, continue to strengthen your mnemonic device.    This is just one example of how mnemonics functions. You're not going to be pinching yourself all through your scene work. It's just to show you more visually how mnemonics works to help recall stored information. Remember the string on the finget thing?  See You On Set! Coach Banks

YOUR FIELD EXERCISE WRITE one short paragraph of something, anything, filled with as much LITERAL and CONCEPTUAL information as you can. Then send it off to a scene partner (fellow actor). They intern will do the same.  Once you receive your paragraph, begin to memorize it 'verbatim'. Try using what you know about mnemonics to assist you. Then get together and see how close to the lines you both are able to be when reading the paragraph back to each other. Every time you eat out, try and remember all of the ingredients of that food item by the time the wait person comes to take your order. Then order the complete menue item...word for word. REMEMBER: Ha, no pun...Memory is a muscle that needs to be exercised to stay strong.