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If remembering other people’s names is downright impossible for you, try reintroducing yourself.   People will appreciate a reintroduction because it also relieves them of the awkwardness of trying to recall YOUR name and who You are.   It is courteous to reintroduce yourself to someone you have met before.    Do not make other people struggle at trying to remember your name.   Above all, it puts people on the spot and is really rude to say, ”Do you remember me?”   We need to support and empower others while putting them at ease.

When reintroducing yourself, it is really helpful if you can remember where you met them or how you know them.   This will re-initiate the relationship and serve as a common ground for conversation.   Do not just assume the other person remembers your name.   Just reintroduce yourself and use that opportunity to build a new relationship.   By reintroducing yourself, the person will probably not forget YOUR name the next time and you will reinforce your connection.   You will also avoid any awkwardness.   It is a great acknowledgment to be remembered, but don’t feel slighted when you are not.

Here are some tips on remembering people’s names:

  • One thing you can do when meeting someone for the first time is to repeat their first name or confirm their last name. Saying, “It’s nice to meet you, George”, will help you to implant their name into your memory.
  • Using their name, tell the person what you know about them — “I heard your father used to be a lawyer in town, Steve.”
  • Using association, if you meet someone named Dorothy, think of the Wizard of Oz. This technique might confuse you or it might help you so only use it if it is helpful.
  • You can also make a comment about the person’s name — “Nice to meet you, Maria.   My grandmother’s name was Maria, so I’ll have no problem remembering your name.”
  • Or you can ask the person to spell their name — “Cathy, do you spell your name with a ‘y’ or with an ‘ie’?”
  • You can ask the person how they got their name — “Savannah, were you named after the city?”
  • Use the person’s name often in the conversation. People like to hear their own name and it will help to secure it in your own mind.
  • If you are honestly trying to learn the other person’s name they will find it flattering and they will always remember you the next time you meet.

Don’t whine to the other person about how horrible you are at remembering names.   Remember, the other person may also have forgotten your name  and will be grateful for your reintroduction.    Making small talk about a person’s name may take time, but it could save you embarrassment later on!

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Filed under: Kerry's Rants & Ramblings • Words of Wisdom

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