Tansel Ali, is a world-renowned memory expert and international bestselling author of the books, "The Yellow Elephant" and "How to Learn Almost Anything in 48 Hours", inspiring thousands worldwide to achieve extraordinary mental performance.A four-time Australian Memory Sports Champion, Tansel is famously known for memorising two entire Yellow Pages phone books in only 24 days. With over 20 years of experience, his passion for memory coaching has made him a sought-after mentor to professionals, leaders, celebrities, musicians, athletes, and personal growth enthusiasts worldwide.Tansel's influence extends beyond memory mastery. As a seasoned international speaker, he has inspired audiences globally and has been featured on TV as a celebrity coach, reaching millions. An accomplished YouTuber, Tansel has produced over 280 videos on memory improvement and personal development for his thousands of followers.His remarkable journey has been showcased on numerous media platforms, including TV shows, documentaries, podcasts, and popular books such as “Deep Work” by Cal Newport, Tony Buzan’s official biography by Raymond Keene, “Like, Comment, Share, Buy” by Jonathan Creek, and the psychology textbook “Psychology: From Inquiry to Understanding” by Scott O. Lilienfeld, Steven J. Lynn, Laura L. Namy, and Nancy J. Woolf.Beyond his professional achievements, Tansel is dedicated to making a positive impact in society. He has been an award-winning AFL Multicultural Community Ambassador with the Richmond Football Club and a Celebrity Ambassador for the Crohn’s and Colitis Association in Australia, helping others lead a better lifestyle with the disease.Over the years, Tansel has initiated ground-breaking projects such as the world's first School Mind Games event and organised the Australian Memory Championships and the Where Neurons Connect Conference. As a licensee, he has organised and curated TEDxDocklands in Melbourne. He delivers keynote speeches at corporate events, conferences, executive breakfasts, leadership functions, and schools, providing practical memory techniques to enhance performance, learning, and productivity. He also offers exclusive one-on-one memory coaching.Tansel holds a double Master’s Degree in Information Technology (MISM) and Business (MBA) from the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship at Swinburne University. He resides in Melbourne, Australia.Join Tansel's free weekly memory lessons - click here.
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10 Ways To Improve MemoryMemory is one of the most important cognitive functions we have. It enables us to learn, adapt, and recall essential information. Yet, many people struggle with memory lapses, whether it is forgetting names, losing track of important details, or failing to retain what they read.The good news is that memory is not a fixed ability—it is a skill that can be developed and improved. With the right strategies, you can train your brain to remember more, recall information faster, and retain knowledge for longer periods.The following ten techniques will provide you with practical tools to enhance your memory and improve cognitive performance.1. Use the Memory Palace TechniqueThe Memory Palace technique, also known as the Method of Loci, is one of the most effective ways to store and retrieve large amounts of information. This method has been used since ancient times by Greek and Roman orators and remains a preferred approach among memory champions today.How It Works:Choose a familiar location, such as your home, workplace, or a frequently traveled route. Assign specific locations within this space to the pieces of information you need to remember. Mentally place exaggerated and memorable images in these locations.For example, if you need to remember a grocery list, you might imagine a loaf of bread sitting on your bed, milk dripping from the ceiling, and apples scattered across your sofa. The more unusual and vivid the imagery, the stronger the recall.This method is highly effective for memorizing speeches, study material, historical dates, or even complex numerical sequences.2. Strengthen Memory Through Linking and AssociationMemory works best when new information is connected to existing knowledge. The stronger the associations, the easier it is to retrieve information when needed.How to Link Information for Better Recall:Associate new knowledge with something familiar. If you are learning about Paris, mentally connect it with the Eiffel Tower or a past visit.Turn information into a narrative. A structured story makes facts easier to remember and retrieve.
Use mind maps to visually link related concepts.Personalize the information by relating it to your experiences.For instance, if you need to remember the word "hippocampus" (a brain region responsible for memory), you could visualize a hippopotamus on a university campus struggling to find its class.The more engaging and unusual the association, the stronger the memory retention.3. Boost Recall with SMASHIN SCOPESMASHIN SCOPE is a structured approach that enhances memory retention by making information more engaging and meaningful.* Senses – Engage multiple senses (sight, sound, touch, etc.) when learning.* Movement – Attach physical actions, such as walking while memorizing, to reinforce memory.* Association – Connect new knowledge to something familiar to anchor the memory.* Self – Personal relevance increases retention, so relate information to your own life.* Humor – Unusual or humorous images are more likely to be remembered.* Imagination – The more creative and vivid the image, the stronger the recall.* Number – Group numbers into smaller, meaningful units.* Symbols – Convert abstract ideas into recognizable symbols.* Color – Highlighting key information with different colors improves retention.* Order – Structuring information in a logical sequence enhances recall.* Positive Emotions – Emotionally engaging content tends to be remembered longer.* Exaggeration – Enlarging, distorting, or making elements absurd strengthens recall.Applying these principles to any learning situation significantly enhances memory retention.4. Read Visually for Faster RecallMany people read passively, which makes it difficult to retain information. However, reading visually by engaging with the material in a dynamic way can dramatically improve comprehension and memory.How to Read Visually:Create mental images as you read. Form a visual representation of the content in your mind.
Use color-coding to highlight important points, differentiating sections with distinct colors.Convert complex ideas into diagrams or mind maps to create a visual framework.
Transform text into a narrative rather than memorizing isolated facts.For example, if you are studying the solar system, rather than memorizing the names of the planets as a list, imagine them as characters in a story. The more engaging the imagery, the easier the recall.5. Remember People’s Names More EasilyRemembering names can be a challenge, but it becomes much easier with the right strategies.Steps to Improve Name Recall:Create a mental image based on the name. If you meet someone named Tom, imagine him holding a large tomato.Use rhyming or alliteration, such as "Sandy on the beach" or "Lisa at the Leaning Tower of Pisa."Pair the name with a location in a Memory Palace for added recall strength.The more engaging and exaggerated the mental image, the more effective the recall.6. Train Your Memory with GamesMemory training should be both practical and enjoyable. Playing memory-based games helps improve recall, enhances cognitive function, and strengthens neural connections.Recommended Memory Games:* Memory League – A platform for real-time memory challenges.* Dual N-Back – A scientifically tested game that enhances working memory and intelligence.* Card Memorization – Training yourself to memorize an entire deck of shuffled playing cards.Regularly engaging in these activities keeps the brain agile and improves long-term retention.7. Get Expert Memory CoachingMemory training is often more effective with expert guidance. A memory coach provides personalized instruction, feedback, and accountability to help accelerate your progress.Benefits of Memory Coaching:*Customized strategies that align with your learning style.*Expert guidance to fine-tune your memory techniques.*Accountability and motivation to maintain consistent improvement.*Faster progress through structured and targeted training.*For those serious about enhancing memory, coaching offers a direct and effective route to mastery.8. Read Books on Memory EnhancementBooks provide an in-depth exploration of memory techniques and practical applications.Recommended Reading:*The Yellow Elephant – Tansel Ali (Shameless plug)
*Moonwalking with Einstein – Joshua Foer
*Unlimited Memory – Kevin HorsleyThese books offer both theoretical insights and actionable exercises to improve memory retention.9. Use Video-Based Learning for Hands-On PracticeFor those who prefer a visual and interactive learning experience, video-based content can be highly effective.Step-by-step demonstrations make complex techniques easier to understand.Guided exercises allow for real-time practice.Frequent content updates provide ongoing opportunities for improvement.Online platforms, such as YouTube, offer an extensive range of memory enhancement tutorials that allow learners to engage with the material in an interactive way.I have over 280 videos on memory and learning by clicking here.10. Teach Others to Reinforce LearningOne of the most effective ways to solidify memory is by teaching others. Explaining concepts requires active retrieval, which reinforces recall and strengthens understanding.Why Teaching Improves Memory:* Forces organization of information, making it clearer in your mind.* Identifies gaps in knowledge, prompting deeper learning.* Strengthens recall by actively engaging with the material.* Teaching can be as simple as explaining concepts to a friend, writing about them, or even creating video tutorials. The process of articulation enhances comprehension and retention.Memory is not a static trait but a skill that can be developed with deliberate practice. By implementing techniques such as the Memory Palace, linking information, using structured learning strategies, and engaging in active recall, you can significantly improve your ability to retain and retrieve information.These methods can be applied to learning new subjects, professional development, and everyday cognitive tasks. The key is consistency—small, daily improvements lead to substantial long-term gains.If you would like to take your memory to the next level, join my free weekly memory lessons by clicking here.