Some people have gift for remembering names but for far too many of us, they go in one ear and right out the other. Unfortunately, referring to everyone as "hey" or "you" can be a poor decision when it comes to networking.
Here are a few ways to remember:
- Repeat the first name or confirm the last name. Simply saying, "It's nice to meet you, Chuck" or "and your last name was...?" will help you register the name and give it a better chance to implant itself into your memory.
- Ask a question or make a comment about the person's name. "Nice to meet you, Julia. My college roommate's name was Julia, so I'll have no problem remembering you."
- Ask the person to spell his or her name. "Abby, do you spell your name with a 'y' or with an 'ie'?"
- Associate the name with a picture in your mind. If you meet a CEO named Arthur, visualize him as King Arthur with the knights of the Round Table.
- Ask how the person got his name. "Savannah, were you named after the city?"
- Tell the person what you have heard about him. "I heard you organized this whole event, Peter."
- Keep your energy level high. Let your body language and tone of voice signal that you are honestly trying to learn the other person's name and teach her yours.
- Always say the person's name again as you leave her. "It was good to meet you, Jen."
2 comments:
Funny, that is why you called me Melissa....
Jessica Small =)
I've also realized that when I forget a persons name the best way to handle that is just humbly appologize and ask for their name a second (or third, or fourth) time and explain that I've tried to get better but I still have problems remembering names.
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