These are tried, tested and proven memorization techniques. They were written for actors, but can be used by anyone to memorize anything like recipes, speeches or presentations. These are tried, tested and proven memorization techniques. They can be used individually, or in sequence.
RE-WRITE IT
This is a good first step - when you first get the material in your hands and are reading it for the first time, sometimes we skip over important information, writing the material over in your own hand writing makes sure you haven't missed anything, and helps you to understand it better. Understanding is a large contribution to remembering.
REPEAT IT OUT LOUD
Most people use repetition to remember material, and this is a proven method - however when you repeat something over in your mind, it can often get jumbled. Saying the lines over and over out loud combine a physical act with the words, as well as the aural act of hearing it. When you combine all these factors, you are much more likely to remember material via repetition when it is executed out loud and not just though.
INFLECT IT
This is fun and not just for actors! Anyone can make different voices, not just actors - and it really helps to memorize material. When you are saying the line out loud, try using different voices, accents, emotions, scenarios and characters. This may sound silly for a non-actor - but everyone needs a little fun in their life - especially when presented with the monotonous task of memorizing text. For actors, not only does this warm you up for the emotions of performance, but you might find something in one of the versions that connect you to the line - and connecting to the line early will also help you remember.
ACT IT OUT
Get up off the couch and act it out! For non-actors, opera singer is one that many find the easiest to connect to. For actors, forget what is the 'right' way to do the monologue and experiment. This exercise is about having fun, because when your body associates good feelings with saying the lines, you are more likely to remember them. (Some examples of experiments are: wild wild west gunslinger, opera singer, bratty toddler, valley girl.)
LINE BY LINE
This step or exercise is most often used after one has the gist of the material, and wants to learn the details of it. For an actor, this would be the exercise to get them word-perfect (knowing the lines perfectly - word for word). Use a second piece of paper to cover the material and only reveal it to yourself one line at a time. You start by trying to say the first line; you then reveal only that line to yourself to see if you're correct. You then say the first line again (without looking) and try to say the second line as well.
Then you reveal the second line to yourself to see if you've got it correct. If so, then you say the first and second line again (without looking) and try to say the third line as well. Then you reveal the third line to yourself to see if you've got it correct. You only move on to the next line if you've gotten everything correct so far. (If you ever reach a point that you begin to mess up every line and things become jumbled in your head, it's time to take a short break and then start all over at the beginning.)
TEST YOUR MEMORIZATION!!
You may think you know your material, but until you pass this test, you cannot be sure.
The Ultimate Test!: Say your entire monologue/scene, without any pauses, twice through without breaking in between, while doing jumping jacks.
This works because:
1. Jumping jacks simulate being in the spotlight or your body being nervous, where you mind has to share its attention with your body.
2. Saying the lines without emotional pauses makes sure the lines are second nature.
3. Saying the lines twice through without stopping make sure you're not relying on an emotional journey to remember the lines.