LESSON #2: The Forgetting Curve

Most people forget 90% of what they’ve learned just a few hours after learning it. This phenomenon is known as the forgetting curve.* Here are some ideas to help your readers remember your message.

Built-in repetition: In my old workshop days, we were told to: Tell ‘em what you’re going to tell them.

Tell them.

Tell them what you told them.

In a newsletter, for content you want them to remember, you can do that by giving them a summary of what’s coming up front as well as a recap of what you want them to remember at the end.

Stories, metaphors, emotion: People remember what they understand connect with most strongly.

Reinforce regularly: Highlighting key points with phrases like “in other words” or repeating points before going on to next ones, or recapping the highlights of a story before moving on to the next point can greatly reinforce memory.

Add to the sensory level: Create diagrams or models to add visual connections to your information; add videos, music, textures, and movement whenever possible.

* How to Beat the Forgetting Curve

* What Is the Learning Curve and How Can You Combat It?