How to remember names

Choose to care.

Most psychologists and memory experts point out that one of the main reasons we forget someone’s name is that we’re not really focused on learning it in the first place. There’s too much else going on, and it’s vying for our attention.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat. The most surefire strategy is to repeat the person’s name–both in your head, and out loud–as soon as possible after you’ve been introduced.

Speak Up. Embarrassing as it seems, don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat his or her name. Start out with a compliment, such as “I’ve had so much fun talking with you, and I’ve completely forgotten your name.”

Picture 

Turn someone’s name into an image that you can remember. When you meet Shirley, think of a Shirley temple. Don’t laugh–it works.

Commit

Begin by making a commitment — a conscious decision — to remember people’s names.

 Concentrate

You can only remember what you observe in the first place. If you are distracted or if you aren’t paying attention, you won’t register the person’s name so you can’t possibly remember it