Executive Blog

Remembering Names

Upon returning to my university, I am meeting many new people and am having to learn new names in the process. Remembering names has always been a problem for me, and I decided to research some tips to help me. I realize also that remembering names is also very important in the business setting. Small introductions can lead to profitable business relationships but only if all parties involved feel comfortable enough to pursue the avenues of communication. Remembering names assists tremendously in this goal. So here are a few tips I have learned:

1. Give your full attention to the person whom you are meeting. That means not thinking about other people you want to talk to and not thinking about the next thing that you want to say.

2. Repetition! Use every opportunity to repeat the person's name. Make it a goal to use the person's name at 3-4 times in your first conversation with them.

3. Associate the person's name. Find some context whether it be phonic, pictoral, etc. to relate the person to.

4. If you forget someone's name or didn't fully understand it, simply ask them to repeat it. It's much more respectful than trying to guess or beat around the bush. Most people are flattered by the effort.

posted by Michael Anders @ Tuesday, August 29, 2006