Are you good at remembering names when you meet someone new?
If not, you’ve got plenty of company! Forgetting names is the #1 memory-related complaint.
Remembering people’s names is an important skill. We all want to be known and remembered by others. When you remember someone’s name, you show you’re genuinely interested in them plus it’s a first step in building a friendship (and we can all use more friends in our lives!).
I used to be nervous when I’d meet someone new because I worried so much about forgetting my new acquaintance’s name.
My frazzled nerves just made remembering the name harder. 😰
So, I did some reading and research on how to remember names. I’ve got the 4 best tips and tricks for you here. They worked for me and I know they’ll work for you too!
PS) These are great social skills to teach your children.
Top 4 Tricks and Tips for Remembering Names
- This is the key ingredient in meeting and greeting: focus and concentrate on who you’re with. Give your undivided attention. Put that smartphone away!
- Repeat the person’s name in your small talk such as, “It’s good to meet you, Janie” and “Janie, how long have you lived here?”. Repeating Janie’s name helps you retain it and Janie feels flattered since we all like to hear our names.
- Use mind associations to help you remember names. Yesterday I met a new neighbor’s daughter and now I think of her as “Petite” Peyton. And yes, she is petite- she’s itty bitty since she’s only 4 years old. I will always remember adorable Peyton’s name!
- Write names down. If you’re in a meeting, jot down new names on the agenda or in your notebook. Enter names and some details about who you’ve met in your smartphone when you’re alone later. Tell your husband or kids about who you met. These actions will help to “ingrain the name in your brain”.
I’m always impressed when an acquaintance recalls my name later- it just feels so special to be remembered. What do you think about these tips and tricks? Try them out and let me know how it goes.
[…] Repeat your new acquaintance’s name in your small talk. Check out this post for tips and tricks on remembering names. […]