CHAPTER ONE My Story and Why You Should Listen to Me

Question 1

What is a common experience related to memory lapses mentioned in the text?

Answer 1

Forgetting names, passwords, or schedules.

Question 2

What did the author do to cope with memory lapses?

Answer 2

Used simple passwords and took pictures of important information.

Question 3

What is one reason why certain memories stick while others fade?

Answer 3

Certain types of information are easier to remember due to sensory involvement.

Question 4

What significant event in the author’s life impacted their perspective on memory?

Answer 4

The author’s grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Question 5

How did the author initially attempt to improve their memory?

Answer 5

By exploring mental calculation techniques and self-help books.

Question 6

What is the Mental Calculation World Cup?

Answer 6

A competition where individuals showcase their mental calculation skills.

Question 7

What basic principle do memory techniques revolve around?

Answer 7

Turning abstract information into mental images.

Question 8

What is the significance of ‘Journeys’ in memory techniques?

Answer 8

They serve as anchor points for remembering items by associating them with familiar locations.

Question 9

What did the author achieve by using memory techniques in a waiter job?

Answer 9

Learned the entire menu by heart and remembered customer names.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The USA Memory Championship tests how ______, how much, and how accurately you can memorize things.

Answer 10

fast

Question 11

What motivated the author to train harder after their first competition?

Answer 11

The desire to improve and the experience of competing.

Question 12

What tragic event influenced the author’s memory training journey?

Answer 12

The passing of the author’s grandmother.

Question 13

True or False: The author believes that anyone can win the USA Memory Championship with enough practice.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What title did the author achieve in memory competitions?

Answer 14

Grandmaster of Memory

Question 15

What does the author emphasize about the nature of memory?

Answer 15

Memory can be enhanced through techniques, but perfection is not guaranteed.

Question 16

How does the author describe their typical morning workout imagery?

Answer 16

Imagery includes Tony Blair, 50 Cent, and James Bond in humorous scenarios.

Question 17

What method does the author use to remember phone numbers?

Answer 17

Associating numbers with memorable images or characters.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The author uses ______ to enhance memory by picturing meaningful people and places.

Answer 18

imagery

Question 19

What is a memorable technique the author used to remember a person’s name?

Answer 19

Transforming physical traits into imaginative associations.

Question 20

What was the author’s rank among memory athletes worldwide?

Answer 20

Ranked among the top fifty memory athletes.

Question 21

What is the overarching theme of the author’s journey?

Answer 21

Transforming memory challenges into skills through practice and techniques.

Question 22

What role does the author primarily occupy?

Answer 22

Memory competitor, ambassador for the sport, teacher of methods, speaker on memory training.

Question 23

What has memory training helped the author overcome?

Answer 23

Frustrations and fears of forgetting.

Question 24

What should memory be, according to the author?

Answer 24

Joyful.

Question 25

What is the main purpose of this book?

Answer 25

To help improve memory and change assumptions about how memory works.

Question 26

What unique approach does this book take compared to other memory books?

Answer 26

Relates techniques to common day-to-day events.

Question 27

What metaphor does the author use to describe the book's assistance?

Answer 27

A greased and oiled catcher’s mitt.

Question 28

What might this book help you win?

Answer 28

A memory competition.

Question 29

What does the author mean by 'powerful' images?

Answer 29

Wild, outlandish scenes that are unforgettable.

Question 30

What type of content does this book contain?

Answer 30

Techniques for remembering everyday situations.

Question 31

How is the structure of the book described?

Answer 31

Non-linear, allowing readers to learn at their own pace.

Question 32

What is one of the book's goals regarding memory?

Answer 32

To ensure you never forget useful information.

Question 33

What is the author's record for the fastest time for a deck of cards?

Answer 33

40.65 seconds.

Question 34

What is a common misconception about Journeys in memory training?

Answer 34

That you need only one place to remember everything.

Question 35

Fill in the blank: The author held records for most digits in ______.

Answer 35

5 minutes (339 digits).

Question 36

True or False: The author still holds the U.S. record for the most names in 15 minutes.

Answer 36

True.

Question 37

What does the author suggest you do if asked to memorize a deck of cards?

Answer 37

Ask whether to memorize it from front to back or back to front.

Question 38

What does the author hope readers will gain from the book?

Answer 38

A bag of tips and tricks for better memory.

Question 39

What is a hang power clean?

Answer 39

A weightlifting maneuver lifting a barbell from a hang position to a racked position.

Question 40

What type of exercise is an air squat?

Answer 40

A body weight exercise movement of dropping into a squat and standing back up.

Question 41

What is a muscle-up?

Answer 41

An exaggerated pull-up that vaults your upper body above the bar.