How to Be Better at Remembering Names

Remembering people's names is important, especially if you've just moved to a new place. When it comes to meeting new people, I'm awkward at best. This problem is magnified by my inability to remember a person's name after they've introduced themselves. Maybe you have this problem, too. It's an embarrassing problem, but it doesn't have to be a permanent one. A few simple strategies will have you remembering names and making friends in no time.

Part of my problem is that by the time my new friend shakes my hand and tells me their name, I'm so preoccupied with not making a fool of myself that I've forgotten the name within two minutes. Information is extremely difficult to process and store when you're under stress. Remember to relax when meeting people. Try to concentrate on what they're saying rather than trying to guess at what they're thinking. This will not only enable you to absorb information effectively-it will also give your new friend a more favorable impression.

There's few things more awkward than being greeted a person who knows your name when you can't remember theirs, especially if it's a person you've talked to several times. It's always less awkward to ask a person's name again at the end of your first conversation with them. Even if you remember their name, you can use it while bidding farewell just to double check. Remembering a name incorrectly is almost as bad as not remembering it at all. A good way to keep a person's name in mind is to use it when addressing them, even more so than normal, during your first few encounters. Use the direct address as a way to stamp the name onto your brain. Say, "How are you doing today, Brian?" or "Hey, Sally. What's up?" or "Mike, did you catch the game on Sunday?" This might feel a little awkward at first, but using a person's name is key to remembering it. And remember, it's comforting to have someone know your name, so say it for their benefit as well.

If these methods still aren't enough, you might be suffering from a lack of visual stimulation. For visual learners, just hearing a person's name might not be enough to learn it permanently. If your new friend's name is complicated or foreign to you, don't be afraid to ask them to spell it for you or to write it out. Knowing what the name looks like will help you remember it. If you've just moved to a new place and you're bombarded with too many names to remember, try to write them down in a notebook with some distinguishing fact to help you identify them. Write down first and last names, if you can, so you can differentiate between people with the same first names. Write down something from your first conversation together so you can remember the person and not just their name; this will also help you later when striking up other conversations. If you've written down that you met Karen Little at the park walking her dog, you can ask her the name of her dog and its breed the next time you see her. Remembering only a person's name will not do much to strike up a conversation.

Being bad with names is not an excuse for not trying. If you're willing to put forth real effort and place high importance on learning names, chances are you'll become a pro with practice. Don't be bashful; get out there and make some friends!