Improving vocabulary will help in all aspects of an individual’s life, from job interviews to interpersonal relationships. In addition, memory and vocabulary is a necessary part of every day life. Here are some memory and vocabulary improving techniques that will help you succeed in all areas of your life.
Using the Old-Fashioned Approach
Everyone can remember using flash cards when they were in elementary school. Although flash cards are a good way to reinforce math skills, they are also effective in learning vocabulary.
- Every time you hear a new word spoken by a passing stranger, relative, friend or through other mediums such as television or the internet, write it down on a 3″x 4″ notecard.
- Look through the dictionary for the word and write down its meaning and use. Write the word on the front and the definition on the back.
- Once you have gathered enough cards, look at each word and visualize the meaning without viewing the back of the card. Practice until every word becomes familiar.
A Thesaurus is also an excellent tool for learning new words. A Thesaurus contains synonyms and antonyms for each word entry. If you wanted to know another word for “obsolete”, open a Thesaurus to find the synonym, which are different words that have similar meanings.
You might discover new words like “antique” which are unique derivatives of the word. Also included in the entry is an antonym, which are words that have the opposite meaning. “Contemporary” or “modern” are words which have contradictory meanings. Speech writers are known for searching a thesaurus to avoid using repetitive or redundant words.
The Power of Word Association
Using mnemonic techniques are also effective strategies in improving recall. These are methods which use word association to improve memory and vocabulary and which connect the new word or concept with information stored in the brain. For example, if someone comes across a word that reminds them of a tangible object, favorite movie, or event in their childhood they can use that association in recalling the word and the context of its meaning.
For example, if you are trying to remember that “Bismark” is the capital of North Dakota, you might try to visualize a popular Bizmarck Pastry store situated in the mountainous terrain of the northern state. Or, use a series of words and their meanings to write a poem to help with retention.
Use as Many Senses as Possible to Absorb the Material
When studying for exams, reading the material is just not enough to grasp new concepts or ideas. Try reading or saying new words out loud. When you hear yourself speaking the material out loud, you use more than one sensory tool. Not only is the information being visually sent to neurons in your brain, but you are also using the auditory sense to receive the new idea as you speak it out loud. The more senses you use when learning, the quicker and more efficient you will grasp the new material.
Aside from these tactics, the brain needs to be nourished in order to function properly. Regular exercise improves oxygen flow to the brain, while eating the right foods such as fruits, vegetables, and snacks rich in vitamins help to stimulate the brain’s natural chemicals. Also, never underestimate the importance of getting a full night’s sleep of at least eight hours before taking that important exam.
With these helpful steps, you too can develop a good memory and improve vocabulary. A healthy lifestyle, word association and using literary resources are conducive to increasing cognitive ability. Whether impressing that job interviewer or acing an exam, using these techniques and developing good habits will help you succeed in all facets of life.
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