Embedding Learning

Ever found yourself nodding along in a conversation only to realise five minutes later you can’t remember half of what was said? You’re not alone. If you’re dyslexic or have ADHD traits, the “in one ear and out the other” phenomenon can feel like a frustrating daily routine.

In this episode of the Truth About Dyslexia podcast, I explore a powerful visualisation tool that shifts things from fuzzy ideas to clear pictures. We dig into why many of us say “I know” a bit too quickly and how we can stop that knowledge from slipping away. Below, we’ll look at the core episode insights. So let’s explore how to remember what matters.

The Challenge of “I Know”

Many of us with dyslexia often blurt out “I know” as soon as someone shares a new idea. Maybe you’ve done it at work or while chatting with friends, and you truly believe that you do know it. Yet later, you realise the info has disappeared. It’s a confusing feeling. Part of you was sure, but your memory took a detour.

This moment happens because dyslexics process information differently. Our brains are wired in a way that can make certain verbal details slip through the cracks. It’s not that we’re lazy. We simply handle thoughts and words in a unique style. We might think we’ve got it stored, but it vanishes just when we need it most. It makes learning tricky, and it can knock our confidence.

“We’ve all found ourselves saying, ‘I know,’ even when we forget what we ‘know’ five minutes later.”

The good news is, there are simple strategies that lessen these memory lapses. In the podcast, I talk about one of my favourites: a visualisation trick that ensures new ideas actually stick. Let’s unpack how it works.

A Visualisation Trick That Sticks

Visualisation is a fancy word for picturing your thoughts. It’s like creating an internal movie. Instead of just hearing or reading new information, you build a mental image. This tool taps into the way dyslexic brains often work best — through images, spatial awareness, and creative thinking. When you link a concept to a mental picture, you give your brain a robust anchor point.

Imagine you’re listening to instructions for a new project at work. Instead of repeating “I know” to your boss, pause. Picture yourself completing the steps. See your hands on the tools, notice the environment, and create a mini scene in your head. If you can, add a bit of detail — the colour of a notebook, a sign on the wall, or the shape of a tool. That mental picture sticks around well after the conversation ends.

Giving yourself time to do this is vital. We often fear that we’ll look slow or silly if we don’t declare “I got it!” right away. Yet it’s worth that extra moment to anchor your memory. It builds confidence when you do capture the info for good. Then you can genuinely say “I know” and mean it.

Why This Method Helps

A lot of people with dyslexia learn through doing and seeing things, rather than solely hearing or reading. You might recall an image from a book or a movie far more easily than an entire conversation. That’s because spatial and visual memory can outshine verbal memory. When you integrate a visual step into your learning, you turn fleeting words into something you can see and recall.

By using mental snapshots, you also reduce that feeling of overload. Instead of trying to remember every single word, you store a simpler, more direct concept. This method often helps to:

• Prevent random facts from merging into a big confusing mess.
• Reduce anxiety about forgetting important details.
• Make learning feel less like a chore and more like discovery.
• Boost your confidence in group discussions.

Another bonus is that your visual mind can tie together new and old ideas. If you picture something you already know, and you place the new concept next to it, the old memory helps hold on to the new one. It’s like building ordinary puzzle pieces into a bigger picture. The more you practise this visual approach, the more natural it becomes.

Common Obstacles and Quick Fixes

You might run into a few snags. It can be hard to remember to stop yourself from saying “I know” automatically. In fast-paced conversations, pausing might feel burdensome. Here are some quick fixes:

• Give yourself a silent count to three: Before responding with “I know,” quickly count in your head. This brief pause lets you form a mental picture.
• Write a keyword: If you’re in a meeting, scribble a key word on a notepad. When the meeting ends, refer to that word and trigger your mental image again.
• Use reminders: Set a subtle reminder on your phone to remember the new concept. When the alert pings later, see if you can recall your visualisation.

Pausing might sound small, but in a world where we’re used to racing through tasks, that small pause is powerful. It’s the difference between feeling confused later and being confidently in the loop.

Bringing It All Together

This technique isn’t about holding every single piece of data in your head forever. It’s about focusing on what’s important, and giving yourself a better shot at storing it in a place you can retrieve later. With a visual approach, you break the cycle of trying to remember random words. Instead, you store mental pictures that are far more accessible.

The next time you catch yourself saying “I know,” try pausing. Ask your brain to paint the scene. If you’re learning a new software tool, visualise the computer screen, where the menu buttons sit, and what you’ll click first. If you’re absorbing advice from a friend about a life challenge, picture yourself following that advice step by step. Notice the environment, your posture, or the look on your friend’s face when you “get it.”

Remember, nobody’s perfect at anything from day one. If you find it tough to put this method into practice immediately, don’t panic. Give yourself room to try, adjust, and keep going. It’s about building a skill that transforms the “in one ear, out the other” loop into lasting knowledge.

• Pause and picture — slow down so your brain can make a mental movie.
• Note or sketch — keep a small note to remind you of a key theme.
• Link new to old — place fresh info next to what you already know.
• Check back later — revisit your mental plan or note to see if it stuck.

When that cringe moment pops up — the one where you realise you’re about to say “I know” without having a clue — stop yourself. Breathe, visualise, and gift your brain a moment to store the knowledge.

Key Takeaways

• You’re not alone if “I know” slips out when new ideas come your way.
• A quick mental image can lock in the important details.
• Short pauses are powerful. Silence is nothing to fear.
• Link new knowledge with something familiar for added memory power.
• Use simple tricks like note-taking or alarms for follow-up checks.

If you want the full story and all the details, catch the latest episode at the top of this page. You’ll hear more about how I’ve tested this tool in my own life and how it’s changed the way I learn. Tune in, give it a try, and see if a bit of visual magic is all you need to stop important information from flying out the other ear.