For a sharper memory, the first step is to FOCUS, which means making a conscious effort to pay attention to what you want to remember. You can fine-tune this skill by observing details as well as turning off distracting devices.

Once you focus, you are poised to FRAME the information so it becomes memorable. Think of it as if you are mentally placing a picture frame around the image that you are focused on, in order to better recall it later.

This method is very effective for learning and remembering names and faces. When you meet someone new, simply focus your attention on their name and face, and then frame that information together with mental images.

For instance, if you meet someone named Joe, you might focus your attention on a distinguishing facial feature — perhaps a prominent nose — and then frame his name and prominent-nosed face together through an image of him drinking a cup of joe (coffee).

You might meet a Lisa with a smile like the Mona Lisa. If you meet a guy named Bob, try visualizing him bobbing for apples.