The most popular tricks are mnemonic devices or memory aids. Some of the most popular are rhymes or songs. These work best for memorizing lists, words and dates. Acronyms are another important tool used to memorize lists. It involves taking the first letter of a word or line and creating another word with it. Combine it with the words respresenting other lines or words on the line to make a sentence or phrase that both prompts the memory and is easy to remember itself. An example can be the lines on a Treble Clef staff in music. The letters are used to form the acronym “Every Good Boy Does Fine”. In order, the letters of that staff are E, G ,B, D, F.
Acrostics work in a similar way, using the first letter of a lines series, like an actor’s monologue, is used create one word or a phrase.
Other Techniques include grouping items and memorizing. When memorizing a script, start with memorizing by scene or by the act to make the task easier. Break a group of dates to remember into decades or centuries. Word Association works well too. It involves associating the words to be memorized with the actions happening in the script. You can also associate your test information with a larger process. For example, associate the important Civil War battles with their role in ones side or another winning or losing. You can also visualize the material that you are memorizing.
It also helps to use the other senses when trying to memorize. Speak the information so that you can hear it. Write it out so you can feel yourself forming the words. This also helps solidify the information in the memory. One memory trick also involves skywriting, or writing the information you want to remember in the air. Engaging more than one of the senses will give your memory another point of reference in retrieving the memory.
Memorization is work, especially if your task is to memorize an entire script. Repetition along with these memory tricks is necessary. Some actors, like play actor Elizabeth Aspenlieder, recommend moving while learning your scripts. She says that it mimics the motion of the stage, thus becoming another point of reference for memory retrieval. Whatever method or methods you choose, stay consistent and create a schedule. Give the memorization its own time and you will be rewarded.