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Brad Zupp was training at 30 Rock Center when reached by phone on Thursday to talk about his techniques. “It’s a great place to practice tuning out distraction,” he said. Zupp, 45, is one of the older athletes in the competition but a contender after having established himself in the memory circuit. He also does memory workshops and speeches for businesses.
One event during the championship requires the competitors to memorize 117 color photos of different people, along with their first and last names, in 15 minutes.
Zupp says he trains for the event by being as creative as he can. A former juggler, he says he’s comfortable coming up with zany ideas. So, for instance, if he’s presented with a photo of a man named Steve who has a goatee, this is what he comes up with: “Steve is almost the same as stove … I think of a wood burning stove with a chimney going up and I’ll think of Steve’s mouth as a stove and eating hot peppers.” “Jill” becomes “Jill taking a pill” and “Brad” might become a “bee with a Mohawk.”
“I create funny images,” he said. “It’s enjoyable.”
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Photo Credit: istock
Have trouble remembering your neighbor’s name? Don’t know where you left your smartphone last night? New Yorkers by necessity have lots to remember — unfortunately, too much.
But don’t despair! Memory can be improved, say the “athletes” competing in Saturday’s 17th annual USA Memory Championship. The event, which challenges players in a series of mental challenges including memorizing decks of cards, numbers and names and faces, is being held at Con Edison’s Grand Auditorium in Manhattan.
This year’s competitors include a dentist, nurse — even an eighth grader from New Jersey. Spectators are welcome; there’s no admissions fee.
amNewYork spoke to three current and past competitors to learn their tips and tricks for memorization.
