It’s not the inability to memorize, it’s the inability to know how to memorize. Learning the work takes, well, work. Do some do it easier than others, of course. But no one can’t memorize a paragraph of ritual. It just takes longer.
And for some, it’s the paralyzing fear of public speaking. They know the work, but when the spotlight…
It’s not the inability to memorize, it’s the inability to know how to memorize. Learning the work takes, well, work. Do some do it easier than others, of course. But no one can’t memorize a paragraph of ritual. It just takes longer.
And for some, it’s the paralyzing fear of public speaking. They know the work, but when the spotlight is on them, their brain vapor locks.
The ones that excel at it have no problems with either.
I have had that mental 'vapor lock' you mention. Not though from a fear of public speaking, given my profession I don't really have that. I'm not sure what causes it, but I have on more than one occasion stood there to deliver some easy bit of ritual, and just had it blank in my mind. Luckily this has been very rare for me, but I have had it happen.
I do agree with you that everyone can learn to memorize, but I think that it is radically more natural for some people to do it than others. And of course, as you mention, it takes a great deal of work.
“I do agree with you that everyone can learn to memorize, but I think that it is radically more natural for some people to do it than others.” This is why I usually don’t offer advice or participate in many discussions on the topic of methods of memorization. I’m wired so differently; my advice is almost worthless to others. Also, I had a Brother let me borrow a book on a memorization method. I wound up returning the book before finishing a couple of chapters, because it started interfering with my method of thinking. I didn’t want to mess with what works.
“And of course, as you mention, it takes a great deal of work.” This applies to ALL of us, including those who find memorization to be fairly easy. I didn’t snap my fingers and suddenly know the first degree lecture from memory. It took time and diligence. But, I will also admit, I didn’t memorize the Closing Charge by effort; I came to be able to deliver it from memory from hearing it 4-5 times a month for a few years. This idea might be a way to make a Brother aware of a capability that they might not realize they have.
“But no one can’t memorize a paragraph of ritual. It just takes longer.” I think you’re right. I also think those who insist that they can’t memorize have convinced themselves that that is true. A self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
We have a Brother who is very active in our Fraternity note that his son, who is a Veteran, has PTSD-related issues when he attempts to memorize things by rote. It is totally improper for me to challenge that; every person is different, and there’s no reason to believe that this isn’t true. Good news is this gentleman (and Brother) has other excellent talents, and owns a successful business.
“And for some, it’s the paralyzing fear of public speaking. They know the work, but when the spotlight is on them, their brain vapor locks.” You know, that can still indeed happen, even if you think you have it mastered! I remember the 2015 Annual Communication in Kennewick, when I was scheduled to deliver my first Committee Chairman report. I had it down. I practiced it in front of my local Brothers. But when I climbed up onto that podium, I FROZE. I delivered the report, but to me, I thought I stumbled and bumbled through it and it sounded like hell. But then-WB Cameron thought it was an excellent delivery. Others thought so as well. To this day, I have to rely on Cameron’s word that it sounded considerably better than I thought it did. Important lesson for me.
It’s not the inability to memorize, it’s the inability to know how to memorize. Learning the work takes, well, work. Do some do it easier than others, of course. But no one can’t memorize a paragraph of ritual. It just takes longer.
And for some, it’s the paralyzing fear of public speaking. They know the work, but when the spotlight is on them, their brain vapor locks.
The ones that excel at it have no problems with either.
I have had that mental 'vapor lock' you mention. Not though from a fear of public speaking, given my profession I don't really have that. I'm not sure what causes it, but I have on more than one occasion stood there to deliver some easy bit of ritual, and just had it blank in my mind. Luckily this has been very rare for me, but I have had it happen.
I do agree with you that everyone can learn to memorize, but I think that it is radically more natural for some people to do it than others. And of course, as you mention, it takes a great deal of work.
“I do agree with you that everyone can learn to memorize, but I think that it is radically more natural for some people to do it than others.” This is why I usually don’t offer advice or participate in many discussions on the topic of methods of memorization. I’m wired so differently; my advice is almost worthless to others. Also, I had a Brother let me borrow a book on a memorization method. I wound up returning the book before finishing a couple of chapters, because it started interfering with my method of thinking. I didn’t want to mess with what works.
“And of course, as you mention, it takes a great deal of work.” This applies to ALL of us, including those who find memorization to be fairly easy. I didn’t snap my fingers and suddenly know the first degree lecture from memory. It took time and diligence. But, I will also admit, I didn’t memorize the Closing Charge by effort; I came to be able to deliver it from memory from hearing it 4-5 times a month for a few years. This idea might be a way to make a Brother aware of a capability that they might not realize they have.
“But no one can’t memorize a paragraph of ritual. It just takes longer.” I think you’re right. I also think those who insist that they can’t memorize have convinced themselves that that is true. A self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
We have a Brother who is very active in our Fraternity note that his son, who is a Veteran, has PTSD-related issues when he attempts to memorize things by rote. It is totally improper for me to challenge that; every person is different, and there’s no reason to believe that this isn’t true. Good news is this gentleman (and Brother) has other excellent talents, and owns a successful business.
“And for some, it’s the paralyzing fear of public speaking. They know the work, but when the spotlight is on them, their brain vapor locks.” You know, that can still indeed happen, even if you think you have it mastered! I remember the 2015 Annual Communication in Kennewick, when I was scheduled to deliver my first Committee Chairman report. I had it down. I practiced it in front of my local Brothers. But when I climbed up onto that podium, I FROZE. I delivered the report, but to me, I thought I stumbled and bumbled through it and it sounded like hell. But then-WB Cameron thought it was an excellent delivery. Others thought so as well. To this day, I have to rely on Cameron’s word that it sounded considerably better than I thought it did. Important lesson for me.