People often need to remember things in their daily lives, so they use various methods to strengthen their memory, making it last longer, such as when preparing to speak in public. An expert mentioned the term “muscle memory,” which is worth considering.
According to a report by CNN, there are two different types of “muscle memory” in science. One is neural, related to recalling learned activities. The other is physiological, related to the regeneration of actual muscle tissue.
In terms of the neural form of “muscle memory,” it is the result of motor learning that occurs in the central nervous system. By repeating certain movements, people’s brains and spinal cords create efficient neural pathways to send appropriate signals to any part of the body.
This phenomenon is related to the idea that our muscles seem to “remember” specific movements. For example, even if you haven’t ridden a bicycle in years, you can easily hop on and start pedaling.
As for the physiological form of “muscle memory,” it is related to the ability to quickly regain lost muscle. This is common among people who go to the gym regularly but then take a break. Although they may lose muscle mass due to inactivity, when they return to exercise, they usually recover muscle mass faster than when they initially gained it.
Nick Morgan, the Managing Director of a consulting firm and the author of the book “Can You Hear Me?: How to Connect with People in a Virtual World,” wrote on Psychology Today’s website that when memorizing new things, you need to be fully engaged. He explained the reasons behind this in his article.
He mentioned that to deliver a successful speech, most professional speakers agree that you must internalize the content, thoroughly understanding and absorbing it to make it your “muscle memory.”
Most people may not define the term “muscle memory,” but they likely understand its meaning. It at least signifies good coordination between gestures and speech. Perhaps it means knowing where to pause and look at the audience, waiting for expected reactions, or knowing the right time to tell an opening story to engage the audience.
So, where exactly is this “muscle memory” that enables people to have a good memory and deliver excellent speeches located? Most people might think of the brain, believing that memory mostly resides there. However, those familiar with neuroscience know that there are more neurons in the human gut than in a cat’s brain, leading to thoughts about “muscle memory” also existing in the intestines.
A recent study revealed that cells in the kidneys and tendons can also remember things, suggesting that all organs and muscles in the body have the ability to learn and remember basic things. The term “muscle memory” may be more accurate than people thought.
Ultimately, it seems that all cells can learn and remember. The human body is a learning and memory machine, encompassing muscle memory, organ memory, tendon memory, and cell memory.
So, what does this more nuanced perspective on learning and memory mean for activities like public speaking that people want to excel in?
Morgan pointed out that it indicates that a common practice form used by many speakers is not sufficient. Over the years, when he asked speakers if they had rehearsed beforehand, many said they didn’t have time to practice loudly in hotel rooms or stand up and walk around. Instead, they rehearsed in their brains, through visualization.
He mentioned the shortcomings of this rehearsal form have become apparent. Although your pancreas, liver, and long muscle fibers, to give an analogy, are all standing there waiting for their moment to shine, that moment never arrives.
In fact, when the crucial moment comes on stage, your entire body can learn and remember, assisting you. Do not deprive all other cells in your body the chance to support your brain. As the chief researcher of the above-mentioned study, Nikolay V. Kukushkin, said, “We need to treat our bodies like we treat our brains.”
In conclusion, as you prepare for your next speech this year, fully engage your body. Your body will remember anything you have or have not done, so be prepared for success.