We remember which direction to set our clocks when Daylight Saving Time arrives with the mnemonic: “Spring forward. Fall back.”

Central American nations are remembered by schoolchildren (at least, when I was in grade school) with the mnemonic: “Better Go Home Every Night Completely Paid.” (From North to South: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama.)

The rhyme “Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November; all the rest have thirty-one, except February alone” allows us to remember the arbitrary pattern: 31, 28 (29), 31, 30, 31, 30, 31, 31, 30, 31, 30, and 31.

Whether card counting or remembering the names of guests in a party, memory systems and tricks can be used with impressive results. None of these systems actually makes us smarter, but there is nothing wrong with looking smarter.

One important skill I use is simple non-verbal communication. How much of what you say is said in words? Those who claim to see into other’s minds might not be looking that deeply. It has been widely stated that only 5-10% of communication is, in fact, verbal; the rest is comprised of a combination of conscious and unconscious signals broadcast through facial expressions, body language, gestures, tone, rhythm and volume of voice. While that the 5-10% number is a myth based on an early misunderstanding of a study, there is no question that non-verbal communication can be a powerful tool if we make a conscious study of it.

Consciously learn the vocabulary of this “other” language and a world of information about those around you becomes available. One of the best guides I have had in my studies of this particular art is Dylan (see above), a very talkative Golden Retriever mix. His ability to “read” me is extraordinary and I hope, one day, to come close to his mastery of listening to what others aren’t saying.