Think how useful it would be to have an iron-clad memory -- one that would allow you to remember everyone's name, every stock symbol, and every question on the exam! While almost no one has a perfect memory, there are numerous ways you can improve your ability to recall facts, figures and faces. Here are some tips and strategies!

• Make colorful visual associations. Evidence suggests that creating pictures in your mind that you can in some way associate to the words and phrases you are trying to remember will effectively create a second memory of the same thing, and maximize your chances of recalling the material at a later date. Many people believe the more bizarre, the better. Harry Lorayne, a performer known for executing impressive memory feats, has written extensively about this method.
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• Use mnemonic devices. Basically, mnemonics refer to any memorization technique that helps you make material more personally meaningful. They can range from a catchy rhymes, like "in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue", to amusing stories you create around lists or vocabulary, to short phrases -- called acrostics -- where the first letter of each word is the same as the first letter of a phrase or more difficult word you are trying to recall (like "eat a darned good breakfast every day" for remembering the names of the guitar strings in order (E A D G B E)). All of these classic devices have been shown to be effective in improving recall.
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