Have you ever turned your head because you’ve forgotten the name of the person coming toward you? You’re nearly holding your breathe hoping, maybe even praying, that she/he won’t notice you. Sound familiar?
It’s common for everyone since we’re taking in so much when we meet someone new. We’re noticing them visually and even on an emotional level. If her/his name is uncommon, it becomes even more challenging. Add to that our own inner-mental chatter, and it’s no wonder we can struggle with this at times.
On social networks it is easy to recall names because they are right in front of us. Yet in person we don’t have this advantage unless of course someone has on a “My Name is” badge.
You never know what you might be missing by not striking up a conversation. You could receive a business lead or maybe make a new friend. The rewards might be high yet you’ll never know if you turn your head.
Here are some tips from Forbes Magazine April, 2010 to help you recall someone’s name:
(1) Use the FACE Method as suggested by Benjamin Levy, author of Remember Every Name Every Time, which is “focus, ask, comment, and employ.” First really gaze at someone’s face. Then ask them which name they prefer to be called or where there name is derived from if it is unusual. Make a comment to yourself about the name. Have you known anyone with this name before? Does the name remind you of something or a place? Make a mental note and connection. Finally use the person’s name again e.g. “I enjoyed meeting you, Sarah.”
(2) Repeat the name as much as possible. Say the person’s name several times during the conversation. The person you’re conversing with will be grateful for your effort, and you will have a better chance of engraining it into your memory.
(3) Speak up. If you’ve forgotten the name in the beginning of the conversation bring it up right away. Say, “I’m enjoying talking with you yet somehow have completely forgotten your name.” Otherwise it will not be as easy to do so if you run into this person again. If it is someone at one of your networking groups or your health club there is a strong chance you will see her/him another time.
(4) Use word play. Make up a rhyme in your head related to the person’s name e.g. “Betty likes spaghetti” or “Stan is a tall man.”
(5) Find a trigger word based on what you learn about them. This one is more valuable because you will memorize something personal about them too. e.g. “Mikelikes to mountain bike” or “Susieis in sales.”
Finally, you can either e-mail yourself some notes about the person’s name and any vital information from your cell phone or jot them down in a small paper notebook after she/he leaves. If you’ve exchanged business cards, this makes it much easier. Commit to remembering names and you will open up a whole new world of possibility. Now you can face the person walking toward you with a smile and who knows what can happen next.
Suzan Tusson’s eBook, Women at P.L.A.Y! Peace, Love, and Acceptance of Yourself after 40, will soon be released. Stay tuned.
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