Another Handful of Tips 81 – Remembering Names

Five of the best tips to help you remember people’s names

People are flattered if you refer to them by name. Most people are good at remembering faces but many are embarrassed when introducing someone because they have forgotten their name.

Some people owe their career success to their ability to recall names and details. Master the art of remembering names – it will prove to be a valuable asset.

1. Discuss a person’s name with them

“That’s an unusual name. How is it spelt? Are you related to John ……”

2. Jot down the name

Carry a small notebook and make a note of new names so you can enter them in your diary, or into your address list. Writing down the name is a great reinforcement.

This is especially important if you travel a lot, have staff in many centres or are involved with national or international organisations or companies.

3. Repeat the name often

Keep using the name in the conversation and especially as you farewell them.

4. Associate a name with an object or another person

Mr. Foot, Miss Baker, John Woods.

Longer names can often be divided into memorable sections Greenfield, Johnson, Hopkirk

5. Focus on the person and the name

Concentrate and make a real effort to connect their name and physical features.

If possible , ask for a business card to reinforce the image. Often a note on the back can be a memory jogger.

People will be flattered when you greet them by name at a later stage. especially if you haven’t seen them for some time.

-Geoffrey Moss

“A person’s name is the most important sound they can hear.”

Resource Books: “Time Savers” & “Time Management Secrets”