Memorizing numbers can be easy

This week I want to tell you about a nifty system to remember numbers that I read about in
Kevin Horsley’s book, Unlimited Memory. Here is how it works:
Each number is represented by a sound. The letters A, E, I, O, U, W, H and Y are filler letters
that “don’t count” and are used to make words from the sounds that represent the sequence of
digits you want to remember.
Learn the sounds that stand for each number, then create words using filler letters to form
sentences or phrases you can easily remember and convert back into numbers.
Here is the list of sounds associated with each number:
0 = s, z, or soft c (think of a hissing wheel)
1 = T or d (think of the upright line in these letters)
2 = N (picture the 2 as a sideways N)
3 = M (picture the 3 as sideways M)
4 = R (a bit of a stretch, but superimpose a 4 on top of the R…)
5 = L (picture your hand with fingers together and thumb extended, forming an L ...like the loser
thing but with all 5 fingers)
6 = J, SH, soft CH, soft G (6 could be imagined as looking like a writing J, and the other sounds
are similar)
7 = K, hard C
8 = F, V (associate the digit 8 with a hand-written curvy f)
9 = b, p (can you see the 9’s there?)
This visual version might help you remember more easily...
So, here is an example. An old phone number I once had is 506 – 458 – 0201. Using the code
above, and a little imagination, I came up with “lazy Jerry - life snoozed” (no one says it has to
make sense -just make it something you can remember!). With practice, you’ll be able to quickly
code and decode lists of numbers you need to remember.
In summary, there are several things you can do to improve your memory.
 Learn and use memory systems to attach new information to old memories/knowledge
 Use senses, exaggeration, and action when using memory systems to make new
knowledge more memorable
 Eliminate blocks to improving memory: multitasking, stress, being unwilling to try
 Review information regularly to form solid long-term memories
 Practice techniques regularly to improve