Now I Remember...

Whenever it comes to memorising anything, I am accustomed to two strategies I have picked up along the way.

1. I would read off a line or two, close my eyes, and picture the words written in a pitch black background. Once I feel that I memorise a bit of the words, my brain immediately takes it as a sign to add in a picture or scenario that would work well with a specific word, phrase, or line.

For example, the first two lines of the poem:

"Whenever Richard Cory went downtown,

We people on the pavement looked at him."

For such, it's pretty straightforward. I would imagine a scenario of Richard Cory walking in a somewhat old style, Solvang-like sidewalk. Everyone's heads turning to get a good look at him.

2. Using any melody that comes in mind, and using it to constantly sing the words with the specific tune until they are all fully memorised.

Funny? Yes.

This one is probably something everyone does while fooling around; however, don't realise that it can be a pretty unique technique.

For example, the tune in my head right this moment is a Korean ballad called Insomnia, sung by a band called The Rose. Right then, I start matching the words with the melody of the song, repeatedly.

Note: The genre obviously doesn't matter.