Embrace Possibility How to Remember Names Even If You Have Bad Memory

How to Remember Names Even If You Have Bad Memory

Remember Names Memory

How do you feel when someone forgets your name?

You probably don't like it.

And that's exactly how other people feel when you forget their names.

Names give people their identity. It is what makes them unique and people pay a lot of money just to put their name to something.

If you want to have great relationships and/or succeed in business and life, it is crucial to remember names and to always call people by their name.

Most people don't remember names because...they don't bother to. There is really no such thing as bad memory when it comes to names. It is just an excuse not to take the time to show someone how important they are to you.

So how do you remember people's names?

1. Have the conscious intention to be present during the introduction. Many times we go into automatic pilot and we stop paying attention as we scan the room for other people we know. "Hi, my name is Robert. Nice to meet you. Hi, my name is Amy. Nice to meet you." and seconds later we can't recall the other person's name.

2. Repeat their name right after they introduce themselves and use it as often as possible. "Hi, my name is Robert. Nice to meet you. Hi Robert, my name is Amy. Nice to meet you." Be careful not to overdo this as it can be very annoying.

3. Ask them to repeat the name if you didn't hear it clearly the first time or if it is an unusual name. Also ask for the spelling if the name is unusual to you. Write it down or picture it in your head.

4. If you still forget a person's name, politely ask them to tell you their name again and use the tips above. Practice makes perfect. Just don't resort to "Hey....man, it was nice meeting you."

These are some simple and effective tips that you can use starting today. Ask everyone for their name and call them by it. You'll be amazed by the positive reaction you'll get.

2017-08-03T05:40:24-04:00Categories: Professional Development, Relationships|Tags: , , |5 Comments

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About the Author:

Robert Chen is the founder of Embrace Possibility, where he writes about the practical skills behind reaching your full potential — getting clear on what you want, and following through on it. He's a lecturer at the Wharton School, author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Selling Your Expertise, and the founder of Vana Lab, where he now teaches teenagers the same skills the executives he coaches wish they'd learned sooner. If something here resonated, join his free 52-Week Success Habits series — one short, practical email a week, with The Dreams to Reality Fieldbook as a welcome gift. Or explore more of his work at robertchen.com and read more of his posts here.

5 Comments

  1. Diana February 2, 2012 at 12:44 am - Reply

    Great tips.

    • Robert Chen February 2, 2012 at 7:39 am - Reply

      Thanks Diana. I am glad you found it helpful.

  2. […] Nothing is more important to a person than their name. Just think back to the time when someone called you by the wrong name. Taking effort to learn someone’s name when you first meet is a real compliment and it makes that person feel important. Click here if you want to learn how to remember names even if you have bad memory. […]

  3. […] 72. Remember names – there is nothing more interesting to us than our own names. Show off often that you remember it. If you need help, check out How to Remember Names Even If You Have Bad Memory. […]

  4. 101 Simple Ways to Build Trust | Embrace Possibility Blog | Realty Trust Corp March 25, 2015 at 8:15 pm - Reply

    […] 72. Remember names – there is nothing more interesting to us than our own names. Show that you remember the other person’s name. If you need help, check out How to Remember Names Even If You Have Bad Memory. […]

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