It was just two weeks ago that I was invited to a friend’s house for a party.  When I got there, he introduced me to everyone who was there at the time.  I greeted them all and was ready to move on and socialize.  But no, my “friend” decided it would be a good idea to put me on the spot and say “pop quiz!  What’s her name?, as he pointed to one of the girls that he had just introduced me to.  I didn’t have a clue what her name was.  Not only did I not remember the name of the girl he had pointed to; I couldn’t remember the name of any of the six or seven other people he had introduced me to just two minutes ago.  I felt somewhat embarrassed; only because, they probably didn’t remember my name either.

Being a person that is terrible with names, I decided I would practice over the next week. Being able to remember a person’s name on the first try can be a valuable asset in a professional business setting as well as a social gathering.    Here are some of the tips I picked up to help remember a person’s name…

1. Repeat Their Name Aloud
When you are introduced, repeat the person’s name aloud in an affirming manner.  By repeating their name aloud you create a visual memory of yourself saying their name.  In the future, if you have trouble remembering their name, you can simply refer to your visual memory of yourself saying their name.  Not only does it create a visual memory, it let’s the person know you are listening.  Lastly, if said in a inquiring manner, the person may repeat their name if you mispronounced it.

2. Repeat the Name Multiple Times in Your Head
Repetition is the best teacher; repeating a person’s name four or five times in your mind will guarantee you remember it, at least for the next few hours, if not longer.  If at all possible, try to mention the person’s name in conversation as well.

3. Relate the name to someone you know with the same name.
Relation is a great way to remember things in general; especially when it comes to a person’s name.  Let’s say for example, the person’s name is Kevin and your favorite cousin’s name is Kevin; create a relation between the two and associate them with each other.  If you should happen to forget this person’s name for a split second, just think of your favorite cousin.  Let’s hope you have at least one cousin you like!

4. Ask Them to Spell It
If the name is long or difficult to pronounce, ask the person to spell it for you.  If you can spell it, you can surely remember it.  You might even want to go as far as asking what nationality, language or meaning of the name.  Knowing such information gives this person, as well as their name, more significance in your mind.

5. Identify & Distinguish
What makes this person different from everyone else?  Is this your future boss?  A new love interest?  Does he or she have a unique hair style?  Remember a distinguishing characteristic about this person; if the characteristic id distinct enough, remembering their name becomes much easier.

6.  Make up or Inquire about a Nickname
Ask him or her if they have a shorter or alternate name they’d like you to call them.  Almost everyone has a nickname.  If they feel comfortable enough with you, they might share it with you.  If not, you will most likely find out later.  If they should decline a nickname request, make one up in your  mind and keep it to yourself.  Use it as a mental reminder.

7.  Have a Genuine Interest
Why is this person important to you?  What can this person do for you?  How can you help this person?  How can this person help you?  All of these are questions that should be answered when meeting a new person.  If you have a genuine interest in this person, it makes memorizing their name much easier.

8. Picture Their Name Written Across Their Forehead
Franklin Roosevelt routinely amazed by remembering the names of most people he met.  His secret;  He imagined seeing the person’s name written across the person’s forehead.  Simply picture the person’s name written across their forehead.  Not only is this one of the most powerful techniques, it also creates a comical image in your memory.  After all, it’s easy to remember something that brings a smile to your face.

9. Use The Name Frequently
Repeat the name multiple times during the initial conversation; “Nice to meet you, Kevin”.  If you need to ask a question, use this opportunity to repeat the name as well; “What school do you go to, Kevin?” Use the name again in your departure; “Nice meeting you, Kevin, see you later”.

10. Practice Makes Perfect
Practice the tips above more than once.  Practice meeting random people in public.  It may seem difficult but if you only use a fraction of the tips mentioned above, you will perfect the art of remembering a person’s name.  All methods may not work for you.  Choose one or two that you feel are easy to master.

Let’s face it; when you meet someone there is tons of stuff running through your mind and the last thing is probably this person’s name.  Hopefully these tips can help you in the future to remember a person’s name and hopefully save you from that dreadfully embarrassing question; “what’s your name again?”

Remembering a person’s name quickly benefits not only the other person involved, but yourself as well; you make them feel important, you gain their good will and you open up the door to successful and healthy relationships.