The great magician Howard Thruston said, "My object is to mystify and entertain. I wouldn't deceive you for the world." If you would like to mystify your spectators with no advanced preparation, you can with this easy and amazing mentalism "trick" that mystifies, but never deceives.
You Have a Super-Human Memory
In the 1950s it was discovered that the short-term memory can hold between 5 to 9 items, with the average being 7. Hence it was called the "Magic Number Seven."
Image if you could easily remember three times that amount in order. Would people be amazed? You bet they would. What if you could easily recall twenty-one items, named freely by your spectator or audience, and repeat them correctly forwards or backwards? Even more amazing, what if you could name them correctly by the number they were given – in any order? I'll show you how to do this kind of amazing mentalism in minutes with no gimmickry.
Remember any 21 Items Perfectly with Rhymes
The way to accomplish this feat of "super human" memory is to use a simple rhyming "mnemonic" or memory aid. Each number, from one to twenty, will be given a word that rhymes with the number. The first step is to memorize the list, which is easy to do because rhymes are a memory aid in themselves.
Here is our rhyming list to be memorized:
- In a bun
- Gun
- Up a tree
- Put in a drawer
- Dive
- Magic trick
- Go to heaven
- Celebrate
- Pine
- Toes
- Unleavened bread
- Little Elves
- Douse with kerosene
- Paper ream
- Make it a dream
- Goes up in steam
- Fell in a ravine
- Make it unclean
- Put it on the TV screen
- Turn it into jewelry
- Have some fun
If a different rhyme strikes you for each number, use that instead. But make certain it is not an abstract, but something that can easily be visualized.
Use the Rhyme to Remember
In order to remember any 21 objects you will associate the object to the rhyme in your imagination. It is important to clearly see in your mind's eye the picture generated. The more absurd, silly or disturbing, the better. It will "stick" in your memory all the more strongly. Many of the numbers have action associated with them, this will help you to remember the object to be recalled instantly. Always try to work action into each of the associations.
For example, let's presume your first object is "book." Visualize a big book sandwiched in a hot dog bun and you are going to eat it. The second object is "coffee." Vividly image that you are shooting thousands of cups of coffee with a gun and they are exploding after they are shot. The third object is "window." Imagine hundreds of glass window panes climbing up a tree. Continue this for up to 21 objects.
It is important that you make the association between the rhyme and the object highly visual and that you do not attempt to form a running narrative. Memory essential occurs in pairs. Associate and visualize the pair then move on to the next object.
I suggest that you start with 5-10 objects and work your way up to 21. Gain confidence with this easy system and make certain the numbers and rhymes become second nature. When you hear "13" you should instantly think, "Douse with Kerosene." You'll amaze yourself with how powerful this system is when you practice it.
Instant Mentalism Performance: The Magic Number 7
Many different effects can be produced with this system – your imagination is the limit. But here is a simple way to demonstrate your "super-human" memory.
Carry a small notepad and pen with you. When you have opportunity to perform, take out your pen and notepad. You can begin your patter with the "Magic Number 7," tell them that the average human memory can only store up to 7 objects. You will attempt to hold 3 times that amount.
Ask your spectator(s) to name up to twenty-one objects. Abstracts, such as numbers, are more difficult to memorize. Make a numbered list and write them down (the act of writing give you more time to visualize and also reinforces what you are quickly memorizing). When the list is done, give it to a spectator.
You can then name off the objects in order. This in itself is amazing to most people. Then name the objects backwards. For the finale, ask your spectator(s) to name any number and you will be able to give the correct object on the numbered list.
Start off slow. Get the rhymes memorized perfectly and without hesitation. Then start with 10 objects and work your way up. You can now perform an amazing feat of "mentalism" wherever you go, at any time. Get ready to mystify, because this memory feat blows people away.
Sources:
- Corinda. 13 Steps to Mentalism. Brunswick: D. Robbins & Co., Inc., 1968.
- Terry, Scott. Learning and Memory. Boston: Pearson Education, 2000.
Blair Kasfeldt - Helping you with the best article on mnemonics (memory devices), theological issues and more. If you are facing a "memory problem" ...
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