How To Memorize Lines
- April 29, 2008
- 25,947 Views
Writer
ShannonH
Voice Over Artist
Liv Rooth
Music
Andy Gabrys
Actor
Leah Rudick
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 tricks will help.
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.
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Comments (12)
this was VERY helpful. i will remember this ;) thank you for making this video
over 3 years ago by crazymikala
Does this method also work for memorizing grocery lists?
over 3 years ago by norgon
research tips were very insightful
over 3 years ago by jimmy
This is great! Very helpful tips, some that really ";Wowed"; me
over 3 years ago by irinagg
nice
over 3 years ago by pop_vip33
nice
over 3 years ago by norgon
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.
over 3 years ago by jayamari
i like it
over 3 years ago by Flavz
I have been in plays and currently present trainings. This video has taught me steps that will improve my performance in both arenas! Thank You.
over 2 years ago by Sandiegan100
Thamk you soo much! These methods helped me get an A in drama class 3 times! And we only had 3 grades!!
about 1 year ago by Magaroonie
Very VERY helpful thank you so SO much :D
about 1 year ago by Silva1990
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