Boost Your Study Skills: How to Memorize Information Like an Actor

5 November, 2024

Have you ever wondered how actors memorize their lines? Shakespeare wrote a whopping 1,506 lines for the part of Hamlet—11,735 words in total. For perspective, that’s like trying to memorize every word in a 17-page essay, single spaced. Memorization is a skill that can be practiced. Memorization is a skill that can be practiced, and different techniques work for different people. Here are three methods actors use to memorize lines that you can apply to studying for your next test.

The Letter Method

This technique is known for helping actors memorize quickly, even in as little as five minutes, according to some. It involves writing the first letter of each key term or concept from your notes, making it easier to recall during tests.

How to Do It

Prepare Source Notes: Have a clear and legible copy of your notes to work off of. Bullet points work great for this.
Write Down Initials: On a piece of paper, write the first letter of each bullet point from your notes, exactly as it appears in your notes. The order and capitalization should be exactly the same.
Read Through Your Notes: Go through your notes, reading the material aloud at least twice. This reinforces your understanding of the content as you familiarize yourself with the concepts.
Recall from Initials: Look at your sheet of first letters and attempt to recall the details of each concept based solely on those initials. If you get stuck, you can briefly glance at your notes for a hint. Only proceed to the next step when you can recall everything twice without looking back.
Test Yourself: Finally, set aside your letter sheet and try to recite the entire material from memory, covering all key points and explanations without any references.

For example, if memorizing the steps above, your initials might look like this:

P S N:
W D I:
R T Y N:
R f I:
T Y:

If you're still struggling to remember the information, you can take this a step further by writing the first letter of each word on the page. Again, you’ll want to be careful to copy the format exactly and even include punctuation.

To help demonstrate how you might adjust this technique depending on what you’re studying, below is an example of how to memorize every word of the U.S. Bill of Rights:

Source document:

First letters:

A I

C s m n l r a e s o r, o p t f e t; o

a t f o s, o o t p; o t r o t p p t a, a t p t

G f a r o g.

Writing Repetition

Though more time-consuming, writing repetition is highly effective for long-term memorization as it engages muscle memory. Unlike the speedy first letter method, this technique can feel a bit more tedious, but it is great for cementing information in your brain.

How to Do It

Start with Clean Notes: Use organized notes to work from, either typed or handwritten.
Read Through Your Notes: Bullet points work best, but this can also be used for memorizing long texts or speeches.
Write the First Five Points: Copy the first five notes exactly as they appear on your scratch paper, repeating 3-5 times while looking at the notes less with each repetition.
Move to the Next Set: Repeat the process for the next group of notes.
Write the Whole Set: Once each section feels comfortable, write the entire set from memory. Repeat as needed.
Final Test: On a new sheet, try writing everything without looking at your notes.

The Repetition & Letter Method Hybrid

Combining both of these methods can be extremely helpful, especially if you are struggling with recall when doing the letter method.

How to Do It

Rewrite the Notes: Copy your notes exactly as they appear, and repeat if necessary. This time, instead of breaking the information into sections, rewrite the whole set of notes at once.
Follow the Letter Method: Proceed with the letter method steps outlined earlier.
Rewrite Your Notes Again: Now you should be able to do this—or at least close!

Memorization doesn’t have to be overwhelming or frustrating. By using techniques like the letter method, writing repetition, or a combination of both, you can train your brain to retain information more effectively. Just like actors mastering their lines, with practice and consistency, you’ll be able to recall your notes and ace your exams.

About Quinne E.

FrogTutoring Tutor Based in Seattle, WA

I am an experienced IT professional with a passion for helping people of all ages master Microsoft Office Suite. I have a diverse background in both the arts and technical disciplines, and with experience in data management, technical writing, and documentation, I excel at breaking down complex concepts into clear, easy-to-understand lessons. My expertise is with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel. I combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for learners of all levels. My writing experience allows me to create structured and engaging learning materials tailored to individual needs and focuses on fostering confidence and growth in every student. I’ve worked with students of all ages, helping them not only improve their skills but also find joy and confidence in their learning journeys.