How to Use the Story Method to Remember Things

The Story Method is a kind of mnemonic link system that uses a story to link things together.

Stories are much easier to remember than plain facts, so any time you want to remember something, try making a story about it!

Story Method Example

If you want to memorize a set of mnemonic images, you could put the image in a list like this:

• Otter
• Toolbox
• Beans
• Shell

Then, instead of placing the images in a memory palace, link them together with a story:

1. An otter jumps into a toolbox.
2. Inside of the toolbox are some beans.
3. The otter throws the beans out of the toolbox and they land in a shell.

That example list uses the major system and it actually represents the first eight digits of pi! See the memorizing pi page for more details. A longer example that places those images into a memory palace can also be found in our free ebook.

The mind has a natural ability to remember stories. If the story doesn’t stick the first time, add more details and make the story more interesting. Practice retelling the story a few times to engrave it in your memory.

You can use the story method by itself or use it within locations inside of a mind palace or peg list to chain together multiple images.

If you have questions, ask them in the Art of Memory Forum!