HOW TO REMEMBER NAMES

  Being able to remember names is a valuable asset in both the business and social worlds. When you remember someone’s name it conveys they are important to you, making them feel special and valued.

  Remembering a person’s name helps builds instant rapport with new contacts. Want great service at a restaurant? Call the waitress by name when you place your order.  From the waitress to the senior executive, the name will work magic as we deal with others. Shakespeare said, “There is no sound so sweet as the sound of one’s own name.”

  ●Commit: Begin by making a conscious decision to remember people’s names.

  ●Concentrate: Be interested and focus on the other person. Pay attention as you are introduced establishing eye contact and smiling while shaking hands.

  ●Take advantage of visual aids, such as a name tag or a guest list.

  ●Verify: Unless the person has introduced himself to you, verify how they like to be addressed.  Not only will it cement the name in your mind, but ensures you are using the name preferred by them.

  ●Say the name aloud: When introduced repeat the name in an appropriate response such as,  “Hi Judy. I’m Bill Johnston. It is nice to meet you, Judy.“ Repeat it silently to yourself. Use it occasionally in the conversation, without overdoing it. Use it again when leaving - “It has been a pleasure speaking with you, Judy.“

  ●Exchange business cards and take a moment to read it noting how the name is spelled.

  ●Picture seeing the name written across their forehead, using your favourite color of highlighter!

  ●Imagine writing the name.

  ●Association: Actually ‘see’ it in your mind of an association between the person’s face and an image their name suggests with key words or thoughts. Do you know someone else with the same name - a neighbour, a cousin, someone famous? ‘Bill Gray’ could be represented by the image of a dollar bill or the color of his hair. Use memory tricks like ‘rhymes with’ or ‘opposite’  associations. The wider your imagination, the greater the chance you’ll remember the name.

  ●During the course of the evening or the event, whenever you look at them from across the room, repeat their name in your mind. Repetition makes a deposit in your memory bank.

  ●Write the name down as soon as possible. Record the name in a ’new contacts’ file with information including where you met them and their ‘keywords’.  Review it before attending an event where you will see these individuals again.