How to Memorize Names
Some people are lucky to have been born with photographic memory, being able to remember people and names immediately. There are people though, that aren’t very good at this, and end up asking “Sorry, but what’s your name again?”, even if they’ve met the person three times already. If you have a poor memory, here are some tips to help you memorize names more easily.
Pay Attention
When you’re being introduced to each other, was your mind completely focused on the other person? Or was it thinking of something else, like the pile of paperwork you left undone? When you’re meeting new people, try to clear your mind of all worries and anxieties. Set aside your tension. If your mind is relaxed, the more easily you memorize the name.
As the other person introduces himself, look at him straight and remember his appearance. Look for certain aspects and features (eyes, hair, unusual or striking clothing) about him that will help you remember him in the future.
Spell Their Name
One problem why you might not be able to memorize the name is it’s hard to recall it. You might encounter this with foreign-sounding names, like Kezia or Rashid. If this is the case, what you can do is politely ask the other person to spell the name for you. Listen intently, and repeat. Don’t worry, they won’t think it’s rude, as long as you act and sound sincere.
Repeat It
Repetition helps you memorize. As soon as a person says his name to you, repeat it out loud. Make sure you pronounce it properly. Afterwards, repeat it in your head ten times. Another effective tactic is to use it during the first few words of the conversation. Say something like, “So how do you like the party, Joseph?” You can also inject it a few more times during the course of the conversation. The more you repeat the name, the more it sticks to your mind.
Write It Down
They said that Napoleon was a great memorizer of names, and he had one technique: he wrote the name on a piece of paper, looked at it for a while, then throw it away. If your memory is good, you can try this tactic too, but if not, you can simply bring note cards with you and write down a person’s name, while thinking of his face. This works great, especially if you’re expecting to meet plenty of new faces, like in a party or a meeting. Jotting down where you met and how you met the fellow is also a good idea.
Associate It With Something Else
Associating the name with something else is a creative, but effective way of memorizing it. Think of something that’s easy to remember when you hear the name. Some examples include:
Mundane objects - Lily, Rose, or Daisy can be associated with flowers.
Rhyming words - Michelle can be associated with “seashell”, or Anna with “banana”.
The Alphabet - A is for Andrea, B is for Benjamin, C is for Chad, and so on.
A TV show/movie/cartoon/book character - Someone named Donald can be associated with the Disney character. A person with the surname Jones can be linked to Indiana Jones.
“Write” The Name On The Person’s Forehead
Franklin Roosevelt was also said to be good at memorizing names. The technique he used was pretty silly, though: he “wrote” the name on the forehead of the other person. Try doing this. Imagine the person’s name written across the other person’s brow. Don’t laugh when you do this, though!
Memorizing and recalling other people’s names doesn’t have to be a struggle, as long as you keep these tips in mind. Just make sure you greet and shake their hands politely the next time you meet them!