Canny Minds Blog

Canny Interview with 8 times World Memory Champion, Dominic O’Brien

Posted on 09. Oct, 2009 by Jenny in Articles, General, Memory

Canny Minds were lucky to get an exclusive interview with 8 times World Memory Champion, Dominic O’Brien. Here he tells us how to maintain a good memory, and how he became such a successful memory competitor.

• When did you first get interested in Memory and how?
  In 1987 when I saw Creighton Carvello Memorise a deck of shuffled playing cards in just under three minutes on TV’s “Record Breakers”. I was amazed at this feat of memory which prompted me to investigate the art of memory for myself.

• How long did it take you from your first initial studying to become world champion?
  It was a matter of months before I was breaking records myself and in 1991 I won the first World Memory Championships held in London’s Athenaeum Club.

• What is the key skill in developing a top class memory?
  Application of the basic principles of memory training which involves the use of familiar places, association, and picturing imagined scenes. In short what is required is dedication, persistance, and an unrestricted imagination.

• Is a good memory mainly a reflection of natural aptitude or learned and developed methods?
  A good memory is a reflection of ones ability to make connections between disparate pieces of information by involving all the functions of the brain. Initially, to make progress, tried and tested methods must be adopted. To become a champion requires innovation, adaptation, and a natural aptitude to think laterally.

• Why does one’s memory deteriorate and what can anyone do about it?
  Too much stress combined with a lack of mental stimulation over a sustained period of time will no doubt contribute to a deterioration in the efficiency of memory. Do something new, challenging, and stimulating. Preferably a pursuit that involves one physically as well as mentally.

• Can you recommend three products to improve anyone’s memory?
  Obviously I am going to recommend my books: “How to Develop A Brilliant Memory” is a good place to start.
  My audio course, “Quantum Memory Power”.
  I’m quite a fan of the Nintendo Wii as it engages one physically and mentally which is bound to have a positive effect on one’s memory.

To buy Memory products, including a number of Dominic’s titles, click here.

Tags: brain training, memory