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Seven Tricks to Remember Names

Hi everybody. I'm back here to blogging. Check it out to learn something.

Being able to remember names is a valuable asset in both the business & social arenas. It helps you build instant rapport with new contacts, & as many companies place a premium on interpersonal & relationship-building skills, it makes a decidedly good impression on employers, too. So eliminate "whatshername" & "whatshisface" from your vocabulary once & for all. The following techniques can help you remember the names of everyone you meet.

1. Be interested: Many of us don't even catch the other person's name when they're being introduced; we're too focused on ourselves. So the first step to remembering a name is to pay attention as you are introduced.

2. Verify: Unless the person has introduced himself to you, verify what he or she wishes to be called. At a conference or seminar, for example, the name tag may have been typed incorrectly or it may be a more formal or informal version of the name they like to go by. Or someone else may have introduced you who doesn't know the person well. Asking what they prefer (e.g. "Deepak introduced you as Himali, is that what you prefer to be called?") will not only cement the name in your mind, but ensure you are using the name that pleases them.

3. Picture the name written across their forehead: I've continually amazed my staff by remembering the names of nearly everyone I met on the first day. Secret? I just used to imagine seeing the name written across the person's forehead. This is a particularly powerful technique if you visualize the name written in your favorite color of Magic Marker.

4. Imagine writing the name: To take step three even further, neural linguistic programming experts suggest getting a feel for what it would be like to write the name by moving your finger in micro-muscle movements as you are seeing the name & saying it to yourself.

5. Relate the name: Try to associate a person's name with a familiar image or famous person. For example, if a woman's name is Priya, picture Priya Gill. If a man's name is Deepak, imagine him as chilling friend like Deepak Ravlani.

6. Use it frequently: Try to use the name three or four times during your conversation. Use it when you first meet, when you ask a question & in your departure, (e.g., "Deepak, it was a pleasure talking to you. Maybe we'll get a chance to chat again sometime.")

7. Record the name in a "new contacts" file: Top sales representatives keep a record of new contact names & information, including where & when they met. Review it now & then, especially when you will be attending a conference or meeting where you may see these individuals again.

Using these techniques will dramatically increase your ability to recall names, but it is inevitable that at one time or another you may slip up. If you do happen to run into someone whom you previously met & can't remember their name, you have two options: Look delighted to see them, lock eyes and extend a warm "Good to see you again," & then find out their name from a friend or guest list later.
Or, with the same warmth, try the more direct:"I remember you well, but your name has slipped my mind."

Comments

  1. those are good ideas!
    ppl can never remember my name b/c it is so long and weird

    ReplyDelete

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