How To Recall Names
It was the worst moment of Steve’s life. At least, it felt like it. He was introducing his major new client to the CEO and he couldn’t remember the client’s name!
Has something like this ever happened to you?
Because it’s so public, forgetting names is one of the most embarrassing ways your memory lets you down but the good news is there are a range of simple tips and tricks that can help your feel more confident with names and faces
Is it normal to forget names?
In all aspects of our lives, some forgetting is completely normal but it doesn’t have to be this way.
There is nothing more flattering than being about to refer to someone by their name in any social setting but for many, meeting new people and recalling names is a huge source of anxiety.
Over time, people who forget in public begin to lack confidence. Forgetting makes you seem older, uncertain and not up with the play. But you don’t need to accept that image for yourself. You can grow and strengthen your memory no matter what age you are in just a few minutes a day.
Note: Your memory does change in a few specific areas around the age of 40-50 but there are ways of making sure that no-one else notices.
So what can you do?
Start learning techniques like this one:
Two-Minute solution for Recalling Names:
- When you are being introduced, listen carefully for the name. If you don’t hear it clearly (some people make it really difficult!), ask for the name again. It isn’t impolite because it shows you are really interested.
- Pay attention to the name and face; look the person in the eye and, if possible, include the name in your next sentence “Peter, I have been looking forward to meeting you.”
- In the few seconds or minutes you have, think of the name. If it is unusual, ask a little more: ‘MacDonald – that’s an interesting name. Do you have a Scottish background?” Listen carefully to the answer.
- Associate the name with an image, if one quickly comes to mind. (Someone else with the same name? Maybe the ‘golden arches’!)
- Notice specific features such as highly coloured cheeks (is she ill, has she been rushing to get here?); modern eyeglasses like my son’s; is that the same perfume/cologne I was given at Christmas? hairstyle and so on.
- Take time to associate anything else you hear or notice about the person either in the first conversation or as the event progresses.
- Take a ‘mental snapshot’ of the face and name and try to find a way to use the name again, maybe as you say goodbye.
- In a quiet moment, gaze around the room mentally identifying all of the new people you have met. This recall practice is really important for later remembering.
How does it work?
There are quite a few steps but, in reality, it takes only a minute or two. The SECRET is staying alert though the sequence. Make sure YOU are in control.
It’s a simple strategy. AND. IT. WORKS.
It works because you are listening carefully and giving the face, name and details multiple ways of being encoded into your long-term memory. Then, when you want to recall the name later, you have more than one cue and association to bring the information to mind.
Keep focused – If your mind wanders or you’re thinking about something else at the same time as you are being introduced, your brain will discard the name within a second or so. And you will forget!
Step 8 of How to Recall Names is the bonus step for your brain. Recall and repetition are the friends of a good memory. Practice!
Remember: Always be conscious of creating memory traces
You will remember names
You will exercise, rebuild and strengthen an important part of your brain
And your alert and youthful brain will impress your friends!
Congratulations on completing your Memory Check and the first 2 of the 16 strategies you need to live a Brainfit healthy lifestyle regardless of age.
Your free Memory Check mini-course has given you:
1. Your Memory Check (you can use this over and over)
2. A proven technique to help you remember where you have left your car keys (and other things that seem to just ‘vanish’!)
3. Tips & tricks on how to remember names and create additional memory traces for a stronger, healthier brain & memory
Imagine the difference all 16 memory strategies will make to your life. Click on the button below to find out more about how Brainfit programmes could help you the thrive personally & professionally, regardless of age.
Happy remembering!