The Blurting revision technique is a study strategy that aims to improve recall and content memorization. It involves vocalizing information out loud from memory at increasingly long intervals. It can also be just writing down everything you can recall about a certain topic.

Blurting study method involves initially reviewing material, then trying to state the key ideas verbatim without looking at the source. After each attempt to vocalize the content from memory, the source material is rechecked to fill in any gaps. This cycle repeats at gradually extended intervals, from blurting every minute to every few hours.

Core features of the Blurting technique include:

  • Oral repetition: Blurting focuses on speaking information aloud rather than just mental review;
  • Interval expansion: The time between review blurts increases incrementally;
  • Immediate fact-checking: After blurting, the source material is reconsulted to validate accuracy.

Blurting effectiveness

Often those who have discovered this technique ask: Is Blurting method effective? How does it work? What is the best way to apply it?
Let’s start from the very beginning.
Blurting revision method is a powerful active recall technique. 

Compared to passive repetition of material, this technique requires active retrieval of information from memory. Such a process strengthens neural connections and improves long-term memorization. The majority of active recall techniques force the brain to organize and analyze learned materials, which ensures deeper learning and better exam results.

Other methods of active recall include: using flashcards, writing practice questions, explaining the learned topic to someone (also known as The Feynman technique)‍, summarizing in your own words etc.

For memorization-heavy revision goals, Blurting takes advantage of the recall boost from verbalizing and self-testing across expanding intervals. The method leverages the spacing effect, where spreading repetition over time heightens retention. Immediately correcting mistakes also reinforces learning through feedback.

Blurting technique is especially effective for subjects with an extensive number of facts and other content, like biology, history, geography, or computer science. 

While Blurting takes more active effort than passive rereading, the vocalization and temporal spacing appears to produce strong memorization results for many learners. However, more research may be needed to quantify Blurting’s efficacy over other standard study techniques. But anecdotally, the vocalization fluency targeted aligns well with exam needs.

Overall, Blurting’s use of verbal repetition, temporal spacing, and rapid feedback shows promise as a memory-centric revision strategy for academics. The vocalization fluency targeted also transfers effectively to test scenarios relying on verbal information production.

How to use the Blurting technique

First, get a piece of paper and write down everything you can remember about a topic.

Next, check your notes and compare it against your class notes and/or the textbook. Understand how much information is accurate.

Then, highlight any missing information by adding it to your paper.

Next, go through what’s missed in your first notes and try to memorize it.

Tips to use the Blurting revision technique

Here are some tips for utilizing the Blurting revision technique effectively:

  1. Choose content wisely. Blurting works best for fact-based information that needs memorization, like vocabulary terms, formulas, dates, names, etc. It has less impact in practicing analysis or applications.
  2. Start blurting early. Begin vocalizing the key ideas soon after the initial learning. Don’t wait until the night before an exam. Spaced repetition is key.
  3. Keep blurts concise. Try to state the core facts, definitions, etc. clearly and concisely. Verbose, meandering blurts are less effective. Precision builds fluency.
  4. Expand intervals gradually. Blurt every minute, then every 5 minutes, then every 30 minutes, then every few hours. The mounting spacing between blurts strengthens retention.5.
  5. Simulate exam conditions. For example, closed book blurting or under a time limit pressures recall readiness just like a test. This transfers the vocal skill.
  6. Start without preparation. From the very beginning, write down all the information you remember before looking at the notes or textbook. This helps you to better determine what you have already learned and what else needs to be repeated.
  7. Use a timer. Set a limit, such as 10 or 20 minutes, to force yourself to quickly recall the material within that time frame. This way, you will concentrate on recalling faster and use this time more efficiently.
  8. Don’t get stuck on the small details. Write down everything that comes to mind, even if you’re not 100% sure.
  9. Use colors and diagrams. To memorize even better, format what you write: highlight the main concepts with colors, create mind maps, make the record structured, mark gaps in the material you have studied, etc.

Blurting method disadvantages

The Blurting method is remarkably effective for memorizing many types of information. However, it has certain drawbacks that can directly affect your learning performance:

  1. Time-consuming. Often, people who use this method complain that it takes a lot of time, especially if they have to write down large amounts of information and then carefully check it.
  2. Doesn’t work without regular repetition. If you use Blurting only once, the effect will be short-lived. Therefore, to get the best results, you should use it with interval repetition.
  3. Not suitable for all students. Visual learners may find it difficult to use the Blurting method because it focuses on textual and verbal memorization. However, you can try to modify it so that it works better for you (for example, you can draw graphs on the material you have covered in your notes and try to recreate them when you review what you have learned).

Final thoughts on the Blurting method

The Blurting technique is an active memory tool that enhances the ability to remember and retain information over time. Some of its main properties are: verbalization of information, self-testing, and spaced repetition — all of these help consolidate neural pathways for better performance during exams or for study. 

In my personal experience, this method helps a lot in being more confident about learning because it helps a lot in identifying the gaps in what is already known. Also, it works well in memorizing the events order and facts simply because when trying to write or articulate the learning material, the gaps in argumentation become noticeable. This is especially useful for subjects that involve history, science, or studying a language. 

However, this is one of those rare occasions when its positive aspect gets diminished because it is a huge time taker. Moreover, if you go on missing constant repetition, you would hardly benefit from this technique. Nevertheless, this is a fair price to pay for good memorization.

Despite these limitations, I believe that Blurting technique can be a very powerful tool in your arsenal. It can be used effectively and combined with other learning methods. Therefore, for those who are willing to put in the work, it can be a great-structured way to strengthen memory and improve active learning.