5 Methods to Remember Someone's Name and How They Trick Your Memory

It’s the moment you fear most—someone is warmly greeting you by name, and you can’t remember theirs—here are tricks to save you.

You can use these five methods to remember someone’s name and make memory tricks a part of your everyday routine:

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1. Care and stay focused. If you really want to remember people’s names, take the time when learning them. Don’t become distracted during introductions. Make them the priority.According to Keith Ferrazzi, author of "Who's Got Your Back,"  if you practice caring about the person and the name, it will soon become second nature when you are introduced to someone.

2. Repeat a name several times when meeting someone. This makes it easier for the brain to move the name into memory storage. Say the name when introduced: “Nice to meet you, Kevin.” If it’s an unusual name, express your interest and ask where the name came from to help it sink in. Use the name when asking how long the person has been in the area or at a current job. “How long have you been doing that, Kevin?” Use the name again when parting. “Nice to have met you, Kevin.”

3. Face association connects a person’s features to the name. Take the person’s facial characteristics or background for an association and come up with a corresponding phrase, such as “Shirley’s hair is curly” or “Jay from Jersey.” Mindtools.com advises that you might be able to associate the person’s name with someone you know with the same name, using similar features or interests they have and storing those images in your mind.

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4. Visualization allows your imagination to go to work memorizing a name. An article on BusinessInsider.com suggests thinking of playful associations to make a name memorable. You can associate Frank with frankfurter, Mike with a microphone or even Dorothy with the “Wizard of Oz.” Conjure up piles of money in your mind for someone named Rich. Picture the beach for someone named Sandy. The images, no matter how outrageous, allow the memory to make the connection.

5. Ask the person to spell their name, particularly if it’s unusual. This helps piece together the name in your mind. It might be an occasion that you can ask if the person has a business card. Glance at the card during the conversation to better associate the name with the person. This also complements other memory tricks, such as face association and repeating the name in your mind.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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