Stop blanking in exams: how to remember your notes better

Have you ever studied hard but blanked during a test? You know you went over that topic, but somehow your brain doesn’t regurgitate it when you need it?

It’s not about how much you study. It’s actually about how you study that will make that big difference when it comes to recall. And one of the best ways to practise recall is by talking your notes out loud.

Yes, it feels a bit strange at first. But this simple strategy can sharpen your memory and make your answers flow more naturally when you need it - in the exam!

Why talking it out works

When you talk through your notes aloud, your brain is doing more than just remembering.

1. It’s retrieving, processing, and expressing information, the skills you need in tests, essays, and presentations.
2. You’re not just storing facts. You’re practising how to explain them properly. And that’s when real comprehension is more natural.
3. You’re activating more areas of your brain. Reading or re-writing notes is useful, but speaking adds another layer.
4. It creates memory cues, improves focus, and helps your brain build connections between ideas.

Great for all learners, not just Auditory Learners

This technique is especially useful if you’re an 👂auditory learner, because hearing your own voice helps reinforce memory. It’s like studying through your ears. But even if that’s not your main learning style, combining speaking with your usual methods, like flashcards, diagrams or practice questions, helps create stronger memory pathways and better recall.

Even better? If you can teach it to someone else, you’ll remember it even more clearly. That’s called the protégé effect, and it’s backed by research.

☑️ Try this in your next study session

1. Study your notes first. Make sure you understand the key points of the topic.
2. Go somewhere private. You don’t need an audience. Just find a quiet space where you feel comfortable.
3. Talk through the topic out loud. Pretend you’re explaining it to someone who missed the lesson. No script. Just speak naturally.
4. Use full sentences. Avoid just listing facts. Try to explain the “how” and “why,” just like you would in a real test.
5. Teach someone else if you can. A friend, a sibling, even your dog. Teaching forces you to clarify your own thinking.

It might feel awkward at first, but stick with it. Soon, you’ll notice you understand your topics more deeply and recall them more confidently.