If you are anything like was about 18 months ago, I was the worlds worst rememberer of names (Yes I know this is a bad sentence…but so what – keep reading)
I have to tell you, I never used to be the greatest at remembering names, but now I am 10x better than where I used to be. Here are a few strategies to help you have better success at “remembering names”.
Step I)
Know that remembering names is a skill and you have to intentionally commit to improve at this skill.
Step II)
What you say will materialize. Make a deliberate conscious decision to never again say, “I’m horrible at remembering names”. Get rid of this this self-limiting mindset. Declare what’s possible, for example; “I easily remember names”.
Step III)
Practice, practice again and practice some more. Begin today and use the tips below to learn the names of at least five people. Add one or two to your list every day. The memory muscle grows only with practice.
Try these techniques to help you remember others’ names effectively.
1. Focus on the person. The instant you meet another person, give them your undivided attention. Be fully present, fully face them, look them in the eye and actively listen. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted, and don’t let yourself off the hook by blaming a bad memory. Forgetting names is most often caused by lack of focus and effort.
2. Repeat their name out loud. As soon as you hear their name, immediately repeat their name out loud. By saying the person’s name at least 3 times in the conversation, you engrave their name in your memory.
3. End the interaction by saying their name. As your conversation draws to a close, be sure to say the person’s name one last time, “It was great to meet you, Sam”.
Remembering names is more than chivalry, we all want to feel important, valued and remembered.
“If you want to win friends, make it a point to remember them.
If you remember my name, you pay me a subtle compliment;
you indicate that I have made an impression on you.
Remember my name and you add to my feeling of importance.”
–Dale Carnegie
So use the tips above to easily remember names, create rapport and build a meaningful relationships.
Karen D
