The words to use
- Retrieval failure
- A blank under pressure. The knowledge is stored, but stress blocks the route to it, so rebuild a cue rather than hunting for the exact sentence.
- Reappraisal
- Relabelling nerves as excitement or readiness instead of trying to calm down. Experiments found it helped performance, with modest effects.
- Finger rest
- A fixed point, such as a finger resting on something solid near the work, that steadies your hand during fine movements.
- Station reset
- The short routine between MMI stations: breathe out slowly, drop your shoulders, read the next prompt twice, and leave the last station behind.
