used to be a gun at remembering names when I was a teacher. I had this awesome method with new classes where I’d get them to sit in a circle and the kids would take it in turns to tell me their name, plus something they liked that started with the first letter of their name. Sarah likes stars, Liam likes lollies, John likes jumping, etc. I don’t teach anymore and I’ve learned rather quickly in the entrepreneurial world that this method does not work at conferences with adults. If you start asking every Tom if he likes trucks people start to think you’re a bit weird. Here are 5 tips to help you remember names without looking like a weirdo.
1. Repeat it
If someone introduces themselves, repeat their name immediately and try to use it as often as you can while talking to them. Never underestimate the power of repetition. Why do you think you still have Spice Girls song lyrics stuck in your head? Because you listened to Wannabe four thousand times when you were 12 years old. It’s just logical.
2. Add to it
When you meet a person called John for the first time and they tell you their name, add a silent fact about John in your head. You might like to say ‘John the accountant’ or ‘John, Naomi’s husband’. It will give you an extra anchor to remember their name next time you see them.
3. Associate it with something weird
If you meet someone called John and you want to remember his name try imagining someone famous with the same name (if possible) like John Travolta coming up to him and asking him for a croissant. You’d never forget someone who’s pastry besties with John Travolta.
4. Outsource it
When you meet someone who’s name you really have to remember, introduce them to someone else immediately or text a friend and say ‘Steve’s business partner is called Alan.’ so you always have somewhere to go back to if you happen to forget it.
5. Care about remembering it
If you don’t actively care about remembering a person’s name, you’re not going to. You need to concentrate and store the memory of hearing their name. It’s all in the attitude.
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Are you good at remembering names? Or Do you forget them as soon as you hear them?
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