How to Remember Names
Posted in Networking Advice
Remembering names is especially important when you try to establish and develop your own network of people. Having a good network is only as good as how you may be able to remember the names as well as the background of the people that you come to meet.
Although forgetting names can be a common problem among people, it doesn't necessarily mean that you just have to stay that way. You need to make the effort in trying to keep those names register well into your memory banks. Here are some ways on how you can do it more effectively.
Name Repetition
Probably the most common way that people use to remember names is through repetition. It seems that repeating names in your mind several times can sometimes help you improve your name recognition skills. You can either try repeating the names of the people that you meet silently inside your head. You can also use them in your conversations now and them to help you keep them in mind.
Comment On Names
Another way to help you remember names is to associate certain comments along with them. When meeting someone new, you can associate his or her name with someone you might know who also has the same name. This will help you remember the name better.
Name Association
In the absence of associating names with others you know who go by the same name, you can instead try to associate a certain name with an image or picture in your mind. Some say that the more outrageous the image you try to associate with a certain name, the better the recall. This technique might work well with others while it might not be as effective on others. Try to use it only if you find it quite helpful.
Name History
Another method that some people use to remember names better is by knowing its history. This might especially be helpful for remembering unique names. You might want to ask some people how they got their names. Some may say that they were named after a famous personality or even a place. Knowing this might help you remember people's names better.
In Case You Forget, Ask
The only other recourse that you may use in case you cannot recall a person's name is to ask for it. You might remember the place you met but somehow cannot remember the name. In this case, you might want to help be reminded of the person's name by approaching him or her and ask for their name in a gracious manner.
You may consider recalling where you have met and then give your name before you ask for theirs. Chances are, they might also have forgotten your name. Approaching them and asking for their names would renew your first meeting and even help you remember them better the next time.
