Tips for Remembering Names

This video gives key tips for remembering names. My story is that I used to be pretty bad at names but now I'm very good and I'll show you how to remember names in a very practical way.

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I'm convinced ANYBODY can get better if they have the right techniques and a little motivation.

Consider the following four tips for remembering names and two tips to help others remember your name.

1. Make it visual. As soon as you here a name, make some visual association with the person's face and their name. If somebody's name is Sarah, for example, I think of the old song Sarah Smile and focus on the smile of the Sarah in front of me. Next time I see her, I will remember her visual smile and remember the name Sarah as a result.

2. Use word play. This is a great tip to remember names because we can make most names rhyme or go with some other phrase pretty easily. If I hear the name Jack, for instance, I might sing in my own head "Jumpin' Jack Flash," by the Rolling Stones. I say that to the Jack in front of me, I just use that word play in my head to remember his name. An old friend of mine, a former student, used to remind people of her name, which was Laura (fairly common name) by saying "Laura Borealis." Since this sounds like something we already know the sound of (Aurora Borealis -- The northern lights), it's much easier to remember Laura. I mistakenly said her name was Aurora in the video but her name is actually Laura, which makes it all the more creative.

Keep in mind, we're learning how to remember names, not giving people actual nicknames. You don't say these aloud and to the other person. In that way, since most of these techniques happen in your head, it doesn't really matter if it sounds strange. Create ones that are easier to remember. A generic one like "Likable Laura" is not very strong. She might be likable but that's not as memorable as "Laura Borealis."

3. Write it down. I have often written people's names down on a piece of paper. When you write it, see it, and hear the name in your mind, you are involving a lot of brain activity and it has a much greater chance to stick. Write it and read it over as many times as you need to and then throw the paper away or delete the name from your phone.

4. Use their name aloud. When you say their name aloud (their actual name, not the nickname), it reinforces it in your own mind. But, only use their name once. You don't want to sound like a high-pressure salesperson. Saying their name aloud is also a great way to double check. "And your name is Laura, right? It's been so nice to meet you." Also, if you know ahead of time you plan to use it, you'll be that much more motivated to remember their name when they first say it.

You can also help people remember you. Here are a couple of tips for remembering your name:

1) Sound it all out. If it is a common name like John, say your last name, too. "John Adams." It gives the person something more concrete to work with and separates you from all the other Johns they know. If your name is Michelle (a common name), say "I'm Michelle Chan."

2) Reintroduce yourself by name the next time. "Hi, we've met before. I'm Michelle Chan." People will love the reminder. I've done this three of four times as I've met people over the months and it really helps them remember me.

Bonus Example: These techniques work. I teach college. Every semester in every class, I teach my students how to remember names. We do a few of the techniques mentioned in the video in a 25- minute activity. In a class of about 40 students, almost all of the students can remember 80% of the names and many students can remember 100% of the names. I use the same techniques and know all of my students' names (over 100 per semester sometimes) by the end of the first week of class. Further, I remember the names for years after they have graduated in many cases.

Important: Tips for remembering names are just THEORY, if you think about it, and will only work if you put it into PRACTICE. I encourage you to start working on it right away.

[anthonyrossmaund]

Thanks for another great course! I watch one course a day so I can retain as much of what you tell us as possible. I'll probably watch twice to make sure i get it. Maybe practice one or two skills a day too.

[avinashthombre]

Alex, excellent job and great tips. Our own Clinton used that technique. Hey since i teach lot online now, I struggle with remembering names of students especially when when there are 3 Sarahs in three different classes. What i find helpful is to just write down all names with the picture roaster and look at it once every day. God bless.

[alexanderlyon]

Do you have any tips for remembering names? I'd love to hear them.

[marylyon-klunder]

Hi Alex! I love your coaching. When I meet someone, I try to make a connection to my life somehow to remember their name. For instance, if their name is Kathy, I think to myself "her name is the same as my sister" and I associate her with that. I may even tell her that it is also my sister's name, if appropriate. I have used each of your techniques, but it always help to get a refresher. 😄 Thanks.

[fajane]

Sometimes I remember a person's name by tying it with someone elses. For example I met 2 sisters and I remembered "A & B" which were the first letters of their names.

[talentnyemba]

I have tried every tip out there and l cant remember anything. peoples names, locations etc