Remembering someone’s name is an important skill for working in a people-oriented profession. In addition, it’s also vital to recall the names of new people for social reasons. Continuing to call new acquaintances by wrong names makes them feel they’re not important. Even worse, it’s embarrassing.
Remembering names isn’t as hard as it seems. It’s simply a matter of paying close attention, as well as learning using association techniques. Mastering some simple memory tricks reduces the stress of trying to recall not only names of people, but also other noteworthy facts.
Listen Carefully When First Introduced
There has to be a reason why God designed human beings with two ears and one mouth. Too often when meeting someone new, people are more focused on what they’re going to say, rather than listening to the pronunciation of a name. Instead of concentrating on the new acquaintance, they jump in and talk about themselves. Take time to study the person. Is the person short or tall? Fair or dark?
Ask the Person to Repeat His Name Slowly
When not understanding a name the first time, just say, “I’m sorry I didn’t get that. What’s your name, again?”
Repeat the Person’s Name
Upon hearing a new person’s name, say it aloud, such as, “So glad to meet you, Sally Jones. Sally? That’s a nice name….” Then think of someone else, with the same name adding, “I had a favorite Aunt Sally who lived in Michigan…”
Continue to Use the Person’s Name
Continue to fill in the person’s name (within reason, without sounding redundant). Not only is this a good memory tool, but new acquaintances will feel good to hear their names. Many people don’t like their names, so by calling them by their names, they feel good about themselves.
This also helps to remember the name when you meet again.
Associate the Name with Physical Characteristics
Granted this is something not done aloud, but privately. Take the name Ed. He obviously has a baldhead, so think of a silly rhyme such as, “Ed, Ed, the man with the bald head.”
Difficult, unusual names may have to be broken down into syllables. Take a last name such Kichura and think, “By the way she’s been sneezing, she’s a “Kachoora.”
Take Notes after the Conversation
After talking to the new person, take notes on ways to remember the name. Write, “On Saturday, September 20th, Susanna introduced herself at the school P.T.A. meeting. She had long, curly red hair and almond-shaped green eyes.” When meeting someone on the phone, include the date of the conversation, as well as how her voice sounded.
Study the Tips of Memory Experts
Take advantage of experts who’ve written books on how to remember names, such as corporate America’s memory master, Benjamin Levy. His book, “Remember Every Name Every Time”, is full of practical tips.
Don’t Make Excuses
Too often, people give the lame excuse, “I’m terrible with names.” By admitting this, they’re insinuating to new acquaintances that they are not important enough to make an effort to learn their name.
Finally, don’t be afraid to use name tags when hosting parties or business meetings. These helpful remembering aides work well for any social gathering where there are new faces. Just take the time to associate faces with the names on the tags. After awhile, names tags won’t even be needed.
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