8 Strategies to Help You Remember 80% of Everything You Read

Reading is a powerful way to acquire knowledge, but retaining that information is often a challenge. Research suggests that people forget nearly 50% of what they read within an hour and up to 80% after a month if they don’t reinforce their learning. To maximize retention, you need effective reading and memory techniques. Here are eight strategies that can help you remember 80% of everything you read.

1. Preview the Material Before Reading

Before diving into a book or article, take a few minutes to skim through it. Look at the table of contents, headings, subheadings, and summary sections. This creates a mental framework and helps your brain anticipate key themes, making it easier to absorb and retain information.

2. Engage in Active Reading

Passive reading—where you simply move your eyes over the text—leads to poor retention. Instead, actively engage with the material by highlighting key points, underlining important ideas, and making notes in the margins. This process forces your brain to process the information more deeply, improving recall.

3. Use the Feynman Technique

Named after physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves explaining what you’ve read in simple terms as if teaching someone else. By doing so, you identify gaps in your understanding and reinforce the material in your memory.

How to use it:

• Read a section and close the book.
• Explain the key concepts in your own words, out loud or in writing.
• If you struggle, revisit the material and clarify your understanding.

4. Take Smart Notes (The SQ3R Method)

The SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) method enhances comprehension and retention.

• Survey: Skim the text to get an overview.
• Question: Turn headings into questions to engage your mind.
• Read: Actively read with those questions in mind.
• Recite: Summarize key points in your own words.
• Review: Regularly revisit your notes to reinforce memory.

5. Visualize and Associate Information

Our brains are wired to remember visuals and associations better than raw text. Convert information into:

• Mind maps: Create visual diagrams that connect ideas.
• Acronyms: Use memorable abbreviations (e.g., HOMES for the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior).
• Mental images: Picture vivid scenarios linked to key concepts.

6. Apply What You Read

Knowledge sticks when you use it. Find ways to apply new concepts in real life:

• Discuss ideas with others.
• Write about them in a journal or blog.
• Use learned skills in projects or work.

The more you use the information, the stronger it becomes in your memory.

7. Space Out Your Review Sessions (Spaced Repetition)

Instead of cramming all your reading into one session, space out your reviews over days or weeks. The Spaced Repetition System (SRS) suggests reviewing information at increasing intervals to strengthen recall. Apps like Anki or Quizlet can help automate this process.

8. Teach What You Learn

Teaching forces you to organize and simplify complex ideas, improving retention. Share your learning with a friend, write an article, or create a video explaining key concepts. If you can teach it effectively, you truly understand it.

Final Thoughts

Improving retention isn’t about reading more but reading smarter. By incorporating these eight strategies—previewing, active reading, explaining, note-taking, visualization, application, spaced repetition, and teaching—you can remember and apply up to 80% of what you read.

Try these methods and see which ones work best for you. Happy reading!