Flattening The Forgetting Curve

As we go through life, we are constantly bombarded with new information. From learning a new skill at work, to studying for an exam, to learning how to use LinkedIn effectively, our brains are working hard to process and retain all of this information.?

However, despite our best efforts, much of this information is quickly forgotten. This is where the forgetting curve comes in.

Hermann Ebbinghaus first identified the forgetting curve in the late 19th century. It describes the rate at which information is lost over time if it is not actively rehearsed or retained.?

Ebbinghaus found that the rate of forgetting is highest immediately after learning and then decreases over time. So if you don't actively work to retain information, you're likely to forget it quickly. This is why regular review and practice are essential for maintaining long-term memory.

It is also why we conduct all of our training session on LinkedIn spaced one week apart. This gives the brain a chance to process what we teach, and then a follow up session to reinforce the knowledge.

The forgetting curve can be frustrating for anyone trying to learn something new. But it doesn't have to be a roadblock to our success. With the right strategies, we can "flatten" the forgetting curve and improve our retention of information.

Understanding the Forgetting Curve

The forgetting curve is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. The shape of the curve can vary depending on factors such as the type of information being learned, the individual's prior knowledge and experience, and the methods used to retain the information.?

For example, information that is meaningful and relevant to you is more likely to be retained than information that is not. Additionally, the methods used to retain information can also affect the shape of the curve.?

For salespeople, my session on Hacking the LinkedIn Algorithm to accelerate growth is often counterintuitive and can be difficult to retain the first time because there is so much new information.

5 Techniques to Flatten the Forgetting Curve

Distributed Practice

The process of spreading out your practice, referred to as distributed practice, allows the brain to process and retain information more effectively. This is more effective than cramming all the information into a short period, which can lead to information overload and poor retention.?

As mentioned before, at BlissPoint, we purposely space out our training sessions by one to two weeks to teach a manageable amount of information and not overwhelm the audience with too much information at once and to review previous content.

Chunking?

Chunking is a memory technique that involves grouping similar pieces of information together to create "chunks" that are easier to remember. This technique can flatten the forgetting curve by making the information more manageable and easier to process.?

In our BlissPoint training, we organize the information in an easily digestible way following a specific narrative. We present chunks of information.

First Session:

Getting your digital house (LinkedIn Profile) in order.

Hacking the LinkedIn Algorithm.

Commenting Strategy.

Second Session:

Review of the first session.

Sales Essentials using previously learned techniques from the first session.

Engaging with prospects and customers using previously taught material.

Social Squads to expand the reach, building on previous content.

Repetition?

The principle behind repetition is that it helps establish strong neural connections in the brain, making the information more easily retrievable. The more you repeat the information, the stronger the neural connections become, and the less likely you will forget it. We help our clients with repetition by offering a service where we send weekly LinkedIn tips straight to your phone. You can join our community by texting the "#LinkedIn " to +1 (415) 534-9722 (US/Canada Only).?

We also provide regular posts and videos to reinforce the material taught.

Teaching

Teaching someone else what you've learned is a powerful technique that can create a deeper understanding of the material. The act of teaching someone else requires you to take the information you've learned and present it in a way that is clear and easy to understand.?

This process can help to solidify your understanding of the material and make it more durable and resistant to decay.

If you have ever sat through my presentations, whether I’m on stage, or on a zoom call, you know that I know my audience and will call you out, asking you to explain to me your thoughts on the Why and How of what I’m teaching.?

While it often catches people off guard, it strongly reinforces what I’m saying because I force the individual to put it into their own words. And everyone else leans in, paying attention, in case they get called out next.

Tracking your Progress

I’m a big believer in goal setting. Setting specific and measurable goals helps keep you engaged in the learning process. By setting goals, you are creating a structure for your studying that helps to keep you on track and focused.?

You can track your progress daily, weekly, or even monthly, but the key is to stick to it. Structure helps to ensure that you are regularly reviewing and practicing the material, which helps to keep the information fresh in your mind and makes it easier to recall later.

The forgetting curve is a natural process that happens to all of us, but understanding it and using effective strategies to combat it, can significantly improve our ability to retain and recall information.

It's important to note that different techniques may work better for different people and different types of information. Experimenting with different techniques and finding what works best for you can help to make your learning more effective and efficient.?

Remember that the most important thing is to actively engage with the material you're trying to learn and to practice regularly and consistently.

About the Author

Richard Bliss is the founder and president of BlissPoint, a social media consulting company that helps improve executives’ online communications and sales teams’ social selling behaviors. A LinkedIn Top Voices Influencer, experienced executive communications manager, and social media coach, Richard has helped thousands of people master social media tools and become fluent in social conversations, building their platforms and confidence to reach their audience and define their brand effectively.