People’s NAMES

Many people owe their career success to their ability to recall names and details, especially politicians and others in leadership roles. From today, make a special effort to master the art of remembering names – it will prove to be a valuable asset.

         People are flattered if you can 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.

          First, focus on the person and their name. Make a conscious decision to remember a person’s name. Concentrate and make a real effort to remember. Here are a few tips that will help you.

Five tips to help you remember people’s names

* Meet and repeat

         Discuss a person’s name with them.“That’s an unusual name. How is it spelt? Have your relatives living in Hastings? ”

         After learning a new name repeat to yourself silently a few time. If you can do this you will find you will have a greater chance to remember the name.  “Bill Lee, Bill Lee, Bill Lee, Bill Lee.”

*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.

           If possible, ask for a business card to reinforce the image and file the card. Often a note on the back can be a memory jogger.  “Married, three boys. Keen on dogs and cricket.” If you meet them in a year’s time they will be impressed if you ask “How are your boys doing at cricket?”    

*  Repeat the name often

            Keep using the name in the conversation and especially as you farewell them. “Well, Jean it was great to see you again. Let’s hope we will be able to have another chat again soon.”

* Try to associate a name with an object  or another person

            Mr. Foot, Miss Baker, John Woods, Geoff Moss. Longer names can often be divided into memorable sections Green field, John son, Hop kirk, Smith field, Leather man etc.

* Make connections

            Try connecting names to people you may know. A similar name to a close friend for example. Connect names to physical features. Mr. Hookman may have a big nose, Longfellow or Longshanks may be tall.

             Make a commitment to start learning names. Start modestly. “I will see if I can learn and remember five new names today.”

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

–Geoffrey Moss

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

Source: “Time- Savers, Guidelines, checklists and golden rules” published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand, by McGraw-Hill, Australia; Thomson, India and in Singapore and by Cengage Learning, Singapore. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com.