Bear in mind how you feel when someone forgets your name; nobody likes to be forgotten![2] X Research source
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If you do not understand how to say the person’s name, this is the perfect opportunity to ask the person to repeat it and then repeat it out loud yourself. If the name is unusual, ask the person to spell it, if that doesn’t annoy them, and perhaps even ask where it originated from. [5] X Research source Be prepared to do the same if your own name is unusual and hard to spell or say. If appropriate, exchange business cards with the person, and have a good look at the name.
Say the person’s name at least ten times in your own head when you’re informed of it. Example of some things to say with the person’s name involved: “What are you planning to do next year, Theresa?”, “How did you feel about that, Fred?”, “It was a pleasure meeting you, Elisa”. (Using it when you say goodbye is an excellent way of cementing the name in your mind for future meet-ups. )
It’s also easier if the new person you meet, already knows some of your friends. This way, you can ask your friend, but you will also be more likely to remember the name if you think of your friend too.
Find an animal or object or alike with the same letter as the person. Some examples: “Kimberly-Kitten”, “Billy-Board”. If it’s a name that can naturally be associated with something visual, then make use of this connection. [7] X Research source For example, names like House, Gold, Wood, Briar, Paris, Bree, etc. , can all be linked to visual images in your mind to help you recall the name. Associate the name with a word that it rhymes with, for example, “Terry Berry”. Associate the name with something of similar meaning, for example, “Cliff-Mountain”. Associate the name with what it sounds like, such as Mr Siegel becoming Mr Seagull. [8] X Research source Substitute words or even famous people for names that you can’t associate with visual images. For example, Alyssa Freiburg could become “Alyssa Milano fries burgers” for your memory’s sake! Obviously, keep these associations to yourself, as the person might feel offended by what they might see as a comparison rather than an association!
Try to select the most outstanding feature and attach the name to that.
You can discreetly ask someone you know to help you during the conversation; just be careful to do this to the side, and discreetly. A friend or partner could also tell you the person’s name, before you meet them, so that you will get more time to think about the name, thus saving it in your memory. Some examples: “Did you know Rick is a painter?” or “Sarah and I also discussed this yesterday”.
Think about how painful it is when someone else jumps in and says “I’m not good at remembering names” just when the same thought is on the tip of your tongue. Does that leave you feeling annoyed that they announced their disinterest in remembering your name first? It should be a wake-up call that both of you are not trying hard enough, so show that other person up by deliberately remembering their name!
Think about how painful it is when someone else jumps in and says “I’m not good at remembering names” just when the same thought is on the tip of your tongue. Does that leave you feeling annoyed that they announced their disinterest in remembering your name first? It should be a wake-up call that both of you are not trying hard enough, so show that other person up by deliberately remembering their name!
Use apps like Nameorize or Namerick for iPhone/Android to write down the names of new people you meet. Don’t write anything down when you’re talking to them or in their presence. Wait until you are done talking, then go somewhere discrete and write a fast entry down in your notebook. It is worth doing though, as people will appreciate you taking the trouble to remember their name.
