How To Memorize Lines

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Whether you’re a budding actor, a businessperson who has to give presentations, or a PTA mom, we all need to remember lines now and then. These…more »
Added April 29, 2008

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You Will Need

Paper and pen
A tape recorder

Step 1.
Write it down

Write out your lines. This helps your brain commit them to memory because the act of transferring them to paper requires you to process the material instead of just seeing it. In fact, research shows this can help you memorize things 45% faster.
Step 2.
Think like the character

If you’re memorizing lines for a play, think about the character’s motivation. Sounds clichéd, we know. But it works. It’s called “active experiencing,” and research backs up its effectiveness.
Step 3.
Become a broken record

Say the lines over and over—and over! Repetition trains the brain by prompting it to expect the words to follow in a certain way.
Memorize your lines on an empty stomach; that’s when the hormone dealing with memory is most active!
Step 4.
Move

When studying the lines at home, move as you would on the stage. In one study, people who memorized lines while in motion later remembered them better than those who stood still.
Step 5.
Tape yourself

Record yourself saying your lines and play it at bedtime. Your brain is most programmable right before you fall asleep, when it’s most primed for suggestion and memory retention.
“To be or not to be, that is the question,” is considered the most famous line in theatre history.

Comments View all (9)...

this was VERY helpful. i will remember this ;) thank you for making this video

Reply about 1 year ago by crazymikala

Does this method also work for memorizing grocery lists?

Reply about 1 year ago by norgon

This is great! Very helpful tips, some that really "Wowed" me

Reply about 1 year ago by irinagg

research tips were very insightful

Reply about 1 year ago by jimmy

nice

Reply about 1 year ago by norgon

nice

Reply about 1 year ago by pop_vip33

I think the part about writing out the lines by hand is an excellent method for learning them. I'm glad that this technique is still used. I wonder if the acting schools still teach this.

Reply 7 months ago by jayamari