not teaching,
still THINKING …
Picture yourself in a picture. Wherever you are right now, look around. Up, down and sideways. Take it all in.
This is the first step in a process that can help you notice details and remember them.
Why is that important? Details bring a story to life. They naturally color the picture for you. Not only colors, but also sizes, shapes and all things that make up any scene.
During an interview, for example, these details can bring a person to life — by defining the office space, the home or where the person hangs out for coffee. Surroundings can help to identify personality traits, hobbies, travel experiences and more.
If you would like to proceed with the process we mentioned, here are the next steps.
- Close your eyes for 15 seconds
- Think of everything you had viewed around you
- Picture it — all of it
- Open your eyes
- Make a list of what you recall, without looking again
How did you do? You might be impressed with your long list. You might be surprised by what you missed.
In the end, may you be ready to tell any story with great color and detail after merely looking around — for even 15 short seconds.
(These two profs are no longer teaching at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, but we are still thinking.)