Sense Memory

Suppose you want to remember a particular event or experience, but the details are eluding you. How can you stir up your memories and bring them to the surface? You can try an exercise from the world of acting called sense memory. This exercise engages the senses to help your ability to recall details.

You can do this exercise by yourself, but it works best with a partner. You begin by getting comfortable and closing your eyes. Then your partner says, "Try and put yourself back in the time and place of this event. I'm going to ask you some questions. Answer as if you are there right now."

Then have your partner ask questions such as:

• What year is it?

• How old are you?

• Where are you? If you're indoors, what is the room like? What is the furniture like? If you're outdoors, what season is it? What's the temperature?

• What time of day is it? Is it light outside? Is the sun shining? Is it cloudy or raining? Is it nighttime? Are the lights on, or is the moon out?

• Can you describe the clothes you're wearing?

• Who else is with you? What do they look like? What are they wearing?

• How do you feel? Are you excited? Tired? Hungry? Nervous? Hot? Cold?

• Do you smell anything?

• Do you hear anything?

• What did you do just before this happened? What did you do right after this happened?

Using your sense memory can usually bring back details you think you have forgotten. Have your partner use a tape recorder or take notes so that you now have a record of the event, and you won't forget it again!

Abruptly the poker of memory stirs the ashes of recollection and uncovers a forgotten ember, still smoldering down there, still hot, still glowing, still red as red.

—William Manchester,
U.S. historian