Being able to remember a person’s name shows that the interaction you had with them was important to you. However, as there are people who have the skill of being able to remember names, others have a difficult time with it. Using strategies from this article to practice remembering names can help improve your name retention abilities:
Repeat names throughout the conversation
Repetition helps the brain form necessary connections for retaining information. Address a person’s name throughout the conversation, especially during greeting and parting.
Make mental associations
Associate a person’s name with something memorable in your world. The more bizarre the association, the more likely it is that you will remember the connection. For example, if you were to meet a person named Jay who is a music producer, you could picture a blue jay at a mixing board so that you can remember both his name and occupation.
Study names in print
Make use of name tags, it is just as important to listen as it is to read. When you are able to read a name and have a face to assign the name to, it helps imprint the connection in your memory.
Ask for clarification with difficult names
It is perfectly fine to ask someone to repeat their name for you. When the name is repeated, say it again to yourself for verification.
If you forget a name, address it head on
Try to offer any information you know about a person if you have forgotten their name. This information could be something as simple as where you had originally met. If you have an idea of what a person’s name could be, go ahead and give it a shot and ask them if you have remembered correctly. If not, then apologize – it happens to everyone!
