This might be obvious, but important to mention: when practicing, use the same names of G-d ("Ad-nai" and not "Hashem", etc.) as in the real reading. It's a legitimate use of the Name.

Some people are auditory learners, some people visual. Occasionally I try to visualize the (absent) cantillation marks onto the scroll I'm reading.

As with any learning experience, the more you involve yourself into it, the more likely it is to stick. When practicing, I read out loud, and occasionally add in hand motions too. (Note: those watching you do this might think you're crazy. Sorry.)

I've seen readers who, in between Aliyot, instead of looking at a printed Chumash, keep the Torah scroll open and read it with their eyes, while hearing the pronunciation in their heads. If you've already practiced a few times, this makes a great last-minute prep to prevent some of those I-knew-it-but-my-mind-blanked errors. Of course, you have to fend off overzealous Gabbaim (and/or Olim) who keep trying to cover the scroll. (Covering the scroll is a way of respecting it while not in use. But practicing with the scroll should be as legitimate a use as any.)

There was a neuroscience paper published a few years ago (http%3A2F%2Fwww.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk%2FMaguire%2FMag uire2006.pdf&ei=qestS_CSA4i-lAf9nPV1&usg=AFQjCNEM4QUf7J4t2rl0fzeT3ZvLvcvlXg) studying the mental capabilities of several London cab drivers, who have to have the whole city memorized. It would be really neat if someone did something like that with expert Torah readers.

This might be obvious, but important to mention: when practicing, use the same names of G-d ("Ad-nai" and not "Hashem", etc.) as in the real reading. It's a legitimate use of the Name.

Some people are auditory learners, some people visual. Occasionally I try to visualize the (absent) cantillation marks onto the scroll I'm reading.

As with any learning experience, the more you involve yourself into it, the more likely it is to stick. When practicing, I read out loud, and occasionally add in hand motions too. (Note: those watching you do this might think you're crazy. Sorry.)

I've seen readers who, in between Aliyot, instead of looking at a printed Chumash, keep the Torah scroll open and read it with their eyes, while hearing the pronunciation in their heads. If you've already practiced a few times, this makes a great last-minute prep to prevent some of those I-knew-it-but-my-mind-blanked errors. Of course, you have to fend off overzealous Gabbaim (and/or Olim) who keep trying to cover the scroll. (Covering the scroll is a way of respecting it while not in use. But practicing with the scroll should be as legitimate a use as any.)

There was a neuroscience paper published a few years ago studying the mental capabilities of several London cab drivers, who have to have the whole city memorized. It would be really neat if someone did something like that with expert Torah readers.