Simple techniques for remembering names

1. Be disciplined– Get into the habit of accepting that remembering the person’s name is an essential part of introducing yourself. It’s easy to forget because you’re taking in so much information when you first see the person. A new habit takes about three weeks to feel comfortable with and get used to so you’ll have to persevere here.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask – If the person doesn’t tell you their name, have the confidence to ask politely what it is. Confident people do this without even thinking about it.

3. Get clarification – If you don’t hear the name clearly, ask the person to tell you it again. This isn’t rude; it’s a polite thing to do rather than get the name wrong later and embarrass yourself.

4. Repeat it – Repeat the name back to the person after they’ve told you it. This helps to cement it in your mind. Then whenever you look at the person, say the name to yourself until you remember it without thinking.

5. Find an association – Try to Link the person’s name with something physical that distinguishes the person. Perhaps something they’re wearing or something about them that stands out to you.

6. Write them down – If you’re socialising or working in a group situation, write peoples’ names down in the order they’re sitting. Then test yourself with each person’s name by saying it to yourself as you go round the room until you’re comfortable you know them all ‘off pat’. You should be able flit from one person to another and be able to readily recall their name as you look at them. I find this process normally takes about five minutes once everyone is sitting down. This exercise works best for groups of up to about 15 people.

7. Use them – Now that you’ve done the hard work of remembering the names, use them. Address people by their name regularly. They’ll notice this, and their perception of you as a confident, aware and assertive person will build.