5 ways to remember names

SHARED FROM

HOW TO PREVENT FORGETTING A NAME

http://www.prevention.com/prevent/how-prevent-forgetting-name

 

We’ve all done it.  Someone calls out your name as you’re running errands and at the moment you turn to reply, your mind goes completely blank.  Nothing.  You couldn’t remember her name if your life depended on it, so you simply reply with a generic.  Here’s how to never let it happen again.

1	Approach it positively	Don’t think, “I’m terrible with names, I’m never going to remember this,” says memory trainer Jon Keith.  Stress interferes with memory, so you're going to have trouble recalling if you're on edge about your abilities.
2	Observe your surroundings	Take special note of your environment, from wall color to the view outside the window.  Lots of visual cues will help cement the people you meet into your long-term memory, says Keith.
3	Make sure you hear the name	“Many people don’t make sure they accurately hear the entire name,” says Keith.  A great strategy: Simply repeat the name after someone tells it to you.  This is the time that person can correct you without any awkward tension.  Say, “I’m sorry, but could you repeat your name.”
4	Take a Z-scan	Keith recommends imagining drawing a “Z” over the person’s face in your head.  This will allow you to take note her features, like bright blue eyes or megawatt smile, helping you marry the association of the name and the face.
5	Spell the name in your mind	Don’t worry if you don’t actually know the spelling of the name; it’s just one last visual cue to help you associate the person with the name.