Method of Loci — Memory Palace

Why it works

Spatial memory is old and robust. Anchoring abstract items to familiar places lends them that robustness.

How to practise

1. 1Pick a place you know by heart and define a fixed 10-point route, always in the same order.
2. 2Turn each item into a concrete, exaggerated, moving image.
3. 3Place the image interacting with the point: it must touch, break or invade the place.
4. 4Walk the route mentally twice, then walk it backwards.

8 min of practice

Changing the route on every use. The route must be stable; the content is what changes.

Memory champions rely mostly on loci, and six-week training with the technique improves list recall in ordinary adults.

Use it for talks, meeting agendas and ordered lists.