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How's your memory? Could you compete at a Memory Championships

Jennifer Goddard's picture
   
 

Hi 

Have you ever gone to the supermarket and bought everything but the one thing you went there to get? Twice?!

Have you ever driven home and realised you don't actually remember driving home?

The good news is that your brain is designed to forget and there are simple tools and techniques to help your brain remember key information.

Competitors at next week's Australian Memory Championships have really honed these tools and techniques as they compete to see who can remember:-
  • the longest list of random words,
  • the longest credit card number and
  • identify the most number of names to the faces.

Not up to competing?

Never fear, we have some simple ideas to help you with your memory below...


UPCOMING TRAINING DATES

OFFER

TIPS

Australian Memory Championships

Last Call for those wanting to compete at the 2011 Australian Memory Championship,  10-11 September in Melbourne. 

Details http://www.buzan.com.au/learning/events.html

Download Registration Form and Competition Schedule

FYI... Jennifer is the official Convenor and Bill is Chief Arbiter, and both will be developing some new skills and systems to use when they adjudicate at the World Memory Championship in Beijing in December.


Hear tips on how to improve your memory this Sunday (Father's Day in Australia) 10am, 4 September (Australian Eastern Standard time). 

Listen live to ABC 774 at 10am when Alan Brough (from Spicks & Specks fame) interviews Jennifer about Enhanced Memory.

http://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/programs/webcam_radio.htm?ref=listenlive


Want to understand more about the 10 Memory Disciplines?
Let Jennifer amaze you in these Online Academy eModules.
http://www.mindwerx.com/cm-memory-championship-one/


Learn how to Remember Names and Faces


If you're interested in helping out, want to interview the gang, or see some of the 'action' we'll be at the Metropole Conference Centre, Brunswick St, Fitzroy on 10-11 Sept. More Details  http://www.buzan.com.au/learning/events.html


You must Remember this...

If you want to significantly improve your memory in just 3 hours,  Join Jennifer at her Memory & Memorability courses in Melbourne or Sydney in October.

http://www.buzan.com.au/training/index.html 


  

mindgenius.com.au relaunched

Since 2001 we have brought you the latest in Mind Mapping software, and with the release of MindGenius 4, we are delighted to report that the team at MindGenius UK has created another winner.

Now with a fabulous new Brainstorming function, simple and easy to use Gantt Chart feature, and of course the ability to switch the format of your maps to reflect your mode of thinking, MindGenius 4 is the leading tool for computer enhanced thinking.

Have a look at our relaunched website www.mindgenius.com.au and download the 30 Day Trial Version now.  You will love it!

To celebrate relaunch - get 15% Off MindGenius Business now. 

Go to the Mindwerx eStore and use CouponCode SOFTWARE15 as you go through the Check-Out. 

http://www.mindwerx.com/mindstuff/product/mindgenius-4-business-mind-mapping-software-1-user-2-computers-license


 

 

Mindwerx and Buzan Centre Certified Instructor Programs

On 1-4 November Mindwerx and the Buzan Centre will be holding our last Certified Mind Mapping Instructor program for 2011 on the Gold_Coast. 

Participating in this program will give you the insights, tools and skills to use and train others in Mind Mapping.  Guided by Tony Buzan's Senior Master Trainer, Jennifer Goddard, you will learn what it takes to inspire people to learn, grow and succeed.

The program is intensive, fun and our creative training space overlooking the pool, palms and gum trees is a perfect learning environment. 

At only $2900 AUD this program is now open Worldwide to anyone passionate about helping others to learn.

In 2012 we will be introducing Certified Instructor programs in Speed Reading, Enhanced Memory, Study Skills and Mindwerx' Creativity & Innovation program.

For all the details go to http://www.mindwerx.com/buzan-centre-certifed-instructor-programs.   


 

Do you Stifle Thinking when you facilitate? 

When working as a team it is important that issues, ideas and actions are effectively captured, and that the capture method itself doesn't stifle the thinking.

There will be individuals with greater knowledge, experience, skill and position that other members.  This and the reality of personality dynamics can make full participation a challenge. 

This can be overcome by strong facilitation skills and effective idea capture systems.

Many 'brainstorming' sessions aren't much more than unstructured discussions, but when effectively run can still produce some valuable thinking. 
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If you are working in a small group of no more than 4 all about the same level, using a Flip Chart to capture ideas is okay.  A better option would be a group Mind Map.
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For teams of up to 8, we like the post-it note capture method.

Each participant with post-it notes and marker pen, writes one issue or idea on each post-it. 

The aim is to get as many post-it notes out in a set time - say three minutes per round.

Then participants share the ideas around the table, then create affinities/ grouped into like issues.  This gives weight to important issues, and helps with the convergent design thinking.
-----------
For larger groups (we recently did a group of 300 people ) a great method for rapid effective capture of issues and ideas is Zing technology.

We've been using Zing for almost 15 years now, as it provides a great WOW factor to group work, as well as significantly improving the input of ideas, and the consolidation later.

See how Mindwerx can help with your next facilitation, and if you're interested in training to become a Mindwerx Certified Facilitator have a look at our website.

http://www.mindwerx.com/creativity-services

http://www.mindwerx.com/mindwerx-train-trainer-programs 


 


The Juggling Act of Effective Studying

As the Southern Hemisphere draws closer to the end of the school year, students in the North are starting back after Summer Vacation. 

Whether you are studying or interested in helping children study more effectively, here are some quick tips:-

First, make a commitment to your study - but don't over commit.  That is, don't slog away at it - the bad old days of cramming for exams are over - it really doesn't work.

Instead include fun and use the best study techniques available.  Learn to read effectively and with purpose, take notes with Mind Maps, and learn about the Recall During Learning graph.

Recall during learning highlights that study is best done in segments of no more than an hour, with a good brain break for 5 minutes. 

A great brain break is learning to juggle, as when you are juggling you have to have 100% concentration, and your brain makes a nice break from the books, and oxygen gets pumped back in.

So whether you're starting school now, or heading to the last semester, have some fun and learn to juggle.

Parents - The best thing you can do for your child's success is to encourage them to do as much hand/eye co-ordination activities - such as Juggling. It is a whole brain workout and will continue to benefit them their entire life. 


 


 

Why did the chicken solve the problem?

Creatively solving a problem, particularly as a team, can be a lot of fun and very satisfying - when you let the creative energy really flow.

Previously we've spoken about the importance of Focus, but once you know where you want new ideas, you can really start to have some fun.

Remember - idea generation is in the 'Divergent' thinking stage of the thinking process, and we set aside judgement and welcome even the wacky ideas - as long as they are on focus.

Wacky ideas can be very useful, as long as you remember that they are stepping stones to new ideas. 

So when something strange comes up in a brainstorming session, see where it leads and be open to follow pathways that seem a bit strange.  They may just lead to something innovative.

If you're struggling to get some wacky ideas, then you can introduce any number of lateral thinking techniques, from simple Random words or images, to designed provocations. 

To learn more - check out at our online eModules on Ideation.

http://www.mindwerx.com/online-training-modules

And let yourself and your team have some fun at your next thinking session - it could payoff big time.


 


Nano Learning - Deliberate Creativity and Innovation

Our fully online Deliberate Creativity & Innovation program offer is available for a short time only. If you haven't already had a look at this, now is the time to do so. 

Several hundred people have received real value from this remarkable self-study program so far.

Essentially, it is an entire Masters subject on creativity and innovation, and has been run at universities in Australia and the US, and will soon be going further afield.

If you aren't able to get along to one of our public programs this could be for you. 

If you're an HR Director looking for an effective way to get leading edge learning and development to staff in many locations, rather than the expense of bringing everyone into one place, we can tailor a program for you.

Check it out now. http://www.mindwerx.com/online-training-modules 


 


Seven Ways to be Cre8ive, Today!  - Now available as an eBook
by Bill Jarrard and Jennifer Goddard

This 76 page eBook provides fun and valuable insights and tools to help you be more creative every day.

  1. Do something different, notice what happens, and then try to see some new ideas.
  2. Challenge the assumptions on things you now take for granted.
  3. Imagine what things would be like if everything was perfect, and then think about what needs to happen to make it so.
  4. Plan your next project, meeting or activity using a Mind Map.
  5. Do some Green Hat thinking before making a major decision.
  6. Set up a provocation using PO or Random Word to generate some creative ideas.
  7. Take action – do some Deliberate Cre8ive Thinking™ today!

These simple methods for Deliberate Cre8ive Thinking™ will have you generating more ideas faster than you ever dreamed possible. This is creativity on demand!

‘A laugh a minute, and laughter opens the door to creativity.
A delightful and worthwhile introduction to the joy_of creativity. READ IT!’
TONY BUZAN, 12 JUNE 2001

Downloadable eBook - Yours for only $9.00

http://www.mindwerx.com/mindstuff/product/seven-ways-be-more-cre8ive-today-ebook


 

 

Creative Thinking Courses & Advanced Learning

Where can you go to develop your Thinking, Learning and Creativity?
Right here of course.

Our last public face to face programs for 2011 are in October in Melbourne and Sydney, so if you've been wanting to come along now is the time.  Programs include:

  • Edward de Bono's Thinking Tools - Full Day - $395
  • Tony Buzan's Mind Mapping - Half Day $259
  • iThink therefore iMindMap - Half Day $99 if you attend above
  • Range & Rapid (Speed) - Reading Half Day $259
  • Memory & Memorability - Half Day $99 if you attend above
  • **New** Certified Mind Map Instructor Program - 4 Fabulous Days on the Gold_Coast 1-4 Nov 2011


For more information and dates see dedicated information pages on Mindwerx.com and Buzan.com.au  

http://www.mindwerx.com/public-creativity-programs
http://www.buzan.com.au/training/index.html


 

 

Live, Laugh and Learn at Sea on the Creativity_Cruise

The Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas departs Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - February 4 - 9, 2012 .www.creativitycruise.com
 

  • 5 Luxurious Nights and Creative Days on an all-inclusive Caribbean_Cruise
  • A Creative Enrichment Program including Keynote speakers, Workshops and Creative Activities to help you design new solutions for your business and life and challenge old assumptions.
  • Amenities include Flow rider, Surf Park, ice rink and many others!
  • College Credit at Sea!  Enjoy the warmth and relaxation on board and fun ports of call while earning graduate college credits.
  • Creativity_Cruise VIP Amenities: Enjoy cocktail receptions, wonderful cuisine, entertainment on board the Liberty of the Seas.
  • Escape winter doldrums and Create, Create, Create.
  • Priced for a luxurious and educational winter escape.
    From $810 with SUPER early bird discount (per person).
  • Get ready for a pampering plunge at the second annual Creativity_Cruise. 
We look forward to seeing you on board (but not bored) and Forever Creative from our voyage!

www.creativitycruise.com


 

 

Last word...

Bill and Jennifer are off to the UK mid-September to hook up with  colleagues, do some strategic thinking and have a bit of fun!

We've got a full schedule planned, making connection with the ThinkBuzan team, Tony Buzan, meeting with the World Memory Sports Council preparing for Beijing in December, discussing the latest in TRIZ with our friend Graham.

A quick hop over to Paris to meet with some of the gang in IPSIM, and have a stopover in Hong Kong to link up the Buzan Centre team there.

If you're after us from 14 Sept - 10 Oct, the best way is via email, and we'll do our best to get back to you quickly.  Promise. 

 

So, there you are, heaps of Top Tips to get the most out of your brain - hope they have been helpful.

Lots of more stuff available on our websites and happy to help with any questions or show you how to access both online and face to face professional development programs anywhere in the world.

cheers

Bill, Jennifer, Mike, Fleur and the Gang

This message comes from Bill Jarrard, Jennifer Goddard, and the Gang
Mindwerx International Pty Ltd - Inspiring Creativity and Innovation
Buzan Centre: Australia / NZ - Unleashing Genius

Bill Direct: +61 (0) 419 645 299
Jennifer Direct: +61 (0) 407 541 497

Freecall in Australia : 1800 060 982

Our WorldWide Headquarters is based at:
24 Tamworth Drive, (PO Box 3588)
Helensvale, Sunny Queensland! 4212 Australia

www.buzan.com.au - Buzan Centre Australia / New Zealand
www.mindwerx.com - Creativity and Innovation
www.imindmap.com.au - Software for great looking Mind Maps

  
Copyright (C) 2011 Mindwerx International and Buzan Centre : Australia / NZ
Creation date: 
30 Aug 2011