The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

READING AND REMEMBERING / 201

Learning from documents

When you are learning, try scanning the

whole document first. Then read it at

your normal pace. Just scanning first

will improve your understanding and

memory. If you are late and unprepared

for a meeting, try scanning some of your

documents. You will be surprised how

much you pick up. Even if it does not

work, you will be able to find most of the

information you need much more quickly.

Using mind maps

A mind map is an effective way to record

information in a succinct format that you

can easily remember. To create a mind

map that summarizes the content of a

book you have read, for example, start

by writing the subject of the book in the

center of a sheet of paper. Then draw

branches radiating from the subject

that sum up the major themes of the

book. Next, fill in smaller branches

containing the sub-themes, and finally

add detail to these sub-themes in the

outer “twigs” of your mind map.

Remembering the ideas

Use pictures and color liberally, as they

make your mind map more memorable

and will increase your recall of the

information. If you want to be sure that

you will remember the content of your

map, review it the day after you have

drawn it, one week later, one month

later, and finally one year later.

REMEMBERING NAMES

Most people worry about

remembering the names

of the people they meet. If

you have difficulty, try the

following: when you are

introduced, always repeat

the person’s name. While you

are doing this, look into the

individual’s face and identify

a feature that reminds you of

their names. Does Sr. Marrón

have brown hair, or is his hair

so startlingly different that

you will remember his name?

If there isn’t a feature that is

memorable, try imagining the

person acting their names—

Julia Stokes the steam engine,

for example, or Paul Parsons

preaching a sermon.

In focus

US_200-201_Reading_and_remembering.indd 201 30/05/16 3:03 pm