Supporting Working Memory in Conversations

"This month's executive function skill is working memory. Executive function skills are brain-based skills that help us "get things done" easily-or not-depending on our particular brain. Working memory is the ability to retain pertinent information in your mind while engaging in daily activities (Mutti-Driscoll, 2024). Indicators that working memory may be challenging for you include walking into a different room and forgetting why you went there, or picking up your phone and not remembering what you were doing when you did so."

"Regulating your memory in conversations can be hard for several reasons: Conversations often lack the clear structure and organization that make other types of tasks easier to follow. Some of our usual tools for focus and memory may seem "uncool" or socially inappropriate in social settings. Conversations rely heavily on auditory senses but don't always engage other senses that could make it easier to focus and remember. Finally, conversations require not only listening-which can be hard enough-but also responding, which can be equally challenging."

Working memory supports holding relevant information while engaging in daily activities and underlies common lapses like forgetting intentions after entering a room or picking up a phone and losing track. Social conversations present unique working memory demands because they often lack clear structure, can make visible memory aids feel socially awkward, rely mainly on auditory input, and require simultaneous listening and responding. Practical strategies include taking notes in work settings, visualizing speech to engage multiple senses, using an "echo" strategy to repeat or paraphrase and gain time to respond, and using fidgets or movement to add sensory support for recall.

Read at Psychology Today