CHUNK IT DOWN: THINK IN FIVES AND TENS Why are Social Security numbers given in chunks of three, two, and four (999-99-9999) instead of as one unbroken number (999999999)? Why do phone numbers have hyphens in them? Because it’s much easier to remember information when it’s grouped into smaller chunks. I find that my brain prefers to remember things in groups of five, but maybe groups of four or eight will be your magic number. Groupings allow you to organize information and sometimes apply other memory strategies, such as key words, a peg system, or a code you totally make up using your imagination. When my son memorized that long number, he grouped the numbers against the backdrop of a drum-filled song, which is an excellent example of grouping by sound. But there are no rules to this technique. It’s just a matter of breaking up information as you see fit and then finding a way to work with those chunks that is relevant to you. This method can be used for a wide variety of tasks, from recalling lists of items to remembering basic concepts, important points, or topics that you want to cover in a presentation at work or perhaps in approaching your boss for a raise.
