Mastering basic tricks of remembering names
January 6th, 2012Remembering names can be a tricky task. This is evidently true when the social circle of a person gets bigger by interacting with people, or there are simply too many names in common for one to remember. One of the simplest ways to remember names is to pay close attention when a name is being introduced. It will be beneficial for one to repeat the name over and over again for a few times to lock the memory firmly in the human brain. If one forgets, simply ask for the name from that person again and repeat the steps.
There are times when verbalized repeating of names is just inadequate enough to remember. Do ask for a name card from the person or write down the name on a piece of paper three times. This method is to memorize names by visualizing pictures. It must be done as soon as possible after meeting the person.
One of the fascinating methods is to remember the names of persons by drawing a connection with the person's hobby or employment. For example, John the nurse, Mary the butcher, Joan the chef etc. It will help tremendously in reinforcing memory.
Writing down names, by far, is one of the most effective methods of remembering names, especially in a social gathering. It is an extremely successful method that does not require a lot of effort from a person. All one needs is a personal diary/notebook, pen and a name card holder. Using mnemonic devices and strategies can help in boosting memory and expanding one's mind capacity in remembering additional information.
It pays to connect names with common words that can help one to form a distinctive linkage. For example, Cherie for cherry, Bill for pills, Candace for candy etc. This will significantly enhance a person's ability to remember people's names better.
Forgetting a person's name not only embarrass but will make one cringe standing next to the person and drawing a blank look on the face. Many business plans, romantic dates and even friendships foiled because of the inability to recall names. Thus, such mistakes in a face-to -face situation can set one apart. Single syllable American names, for example, Bill, Jack, Ken, can cause confusion as these names can get blended together in the brains and easily be dismissed.
In a summary, there are tricks in remembering names. In fact, mastering just one or two tricks is already proficient enough to handle most names in one's memory capacity. The problem is that most people tend to be over immersed in themselves when names are being introduced to them. Either one is too obsessed with setting a favorable first impression or simply not paying attention at that moment. When one first hear a new name, he or she will be too emotionally or visually involved in the new person, thinking that this may help in remembering the person's name better. However, this is not true. A person's mind floats away at that crucial moment will find it extremely difficult to recall the name even seconds later. Therefore, it pays to master the tricks to safeguard one's interests.