How Scripts (and Acronyms) provide support in stressful situations
By: Fred, but mainly Emma :-)
Unsure of how to get your words out?
The pressure to perform flawlessly during oral exams and in real-life emergencies can be daunting. Even the most seasoned individuals can find themselves feeling overwhelmed and going ____ blank at crucial moments.
Scripts don’t replace understanding the content - they just make it easier to retrieve that knowledge under stress.
While some might argue that they are unnecessary and that the understanding of the content is enough, I strongly believe we need both.
You may know the information inside and out, but under stress, well that’s a different story……
What happens to your memory when you get stressed
Have you ever heard of “Amygdala Hijack”?
Psychologist Daniel Goleman first used the term “amygdala hijacking” in his book Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ.
To keep it short and sweet
The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for this fight or flight. When a person feels stressed or afraid (your oral exam is a perfect example), the amygdala releases stress hormones that prepare the body to fight the threat or flee from the danger. The amygdala “hijacks” your frontal lobe, shutting down your brain and thus making you unable to think clearly.
We’ve all had that moment where we look back and think “why in the world did I do that”? E.g. use the wrong morning tide in your Nav & Radar exam😳.
Now, the amygdala’s fight-or-flight response is a great thing to have in primitive times when bears and wolves attacked us, but it is not so great for your exams or emergencies where you have to do something about it other than run or fight!
While experts recommend techniques like pausing to reflect, this is not going to help when your boat is on fire🔥.
This is where having a pre-established script or acronym can help in these tough situations.
Benefits of scripts and acronymns for recalling info under stress
❶ Clarity – They help you communicate information clearly and concisely.
❷ Simplification of information – They allow us to reduce complex information into simpler, more manageable chunks.
❸ Enhancing recall – They provide cues that triggers the memory.
❹ Muscle memory – repetition is key to mastering any skill.
❺ Structured responses – They ensure all key points are covered without rambling.
❻ Mental Anchoring (excuse the pun) Scripts serve as mental anchors, helping candidates stay focused and calm, even if they momentarily lose their train of thought.
❼ Quick recall – scripts facilitate quicker recall of information under stress, a key advantage during both exams and emergencies.
❽ Visualisation and imagination - This engagement of mental imagery can enhance comprehension and retention by making the material more vivid and memorable.
What scripts do I use?
Quite a few actually…….
Now I am not taking credit for being the original source for any of these scripts and acronyms. Many have been around for decades, but I have enhanced and made my modifications to help you pass.
Here are some examples:
Colregs - I have 4 main ones:
· Collision avoidance, keep out of the way
· Rule 17 action by stand-on vessel
· Collision avoidance + shall not impede (inside a narrow channel or TSS)
· You sight a CBD
Radar plotting
WOA Triangle
I am going to complete the plot/ask for 2 more plots
OA is a relative motion line, which when extended gives the CPA and TCPA.
If the CPA is unacceptable or risk of collision exists, then I require W!
WO is Way of Own
WA is Way of Another. The true course and speed.
I am required to take action if in restricted viz then under rule 19.
But you can’t just rely on scripts – we are not parrots; you first need to learn the subject in depth.
“The best results are obtained by introducing recitation after devoting about 40% of the time to reading”
Scripts, acronyms and visuals are strategically placed throughout my videos and notes. Given the vast amount of information to absorb, these aids can help retain large amounts of information and significantly enhance memory recall, especially under stressful conditions.
So, take time to learn those scripts and acronyms – they’ll help you excel in any stressful situation! And if you’re interested in learning more about effective learning strategies, check out my other blog post “How We Learn: What the Experts Say”
With the right tools and strategies, you’ll be able to keep your cool and perform at your best, no matter how high the pressure.
Happy studying!
