7 Easy Steps for Remembering Names

Do you ever get frustrated because you cannot remember someone’s name just minutes after you’ve met them? I used to. Then I learned this simple technique for remembering names and now everything has changed.

I am going to show you seven things that you can do quickly and easily everytime you meet someone. If you do these things, you’ll never have to worry about the previously described nightmare happening again! Remembering names will become second nature after a short period of time. Remembering names will become easy.

As a matter of fact, I started out using this method for remembering names. Now it just happens. Ask the 32 people in my seminar in Ft. Lauderdale, FL recently, and they'll tell you about my going around the room and using all of their names. More importantly, they'll tell you how they played musical chairs on me and - still - remembering names was natural.

Step One: Verify the Proper Name

Don’t assume that the person who introduced you, if you were introduced, used the name that the person actually prefers. Your first step should always be that of verifying what they wish to be called. You might say:

“Fred introduced you as Jackie, is that what you prefer to be called?”

She may tell you that she actually prefers to be called Jacqueline. I had a friend who was called Sydney. He actually hated that name and preferred his middle name of John. I called him John instead of Sydney and my wife could clearly tell, as could I, that he enjoyed hearing me call him by that name.

Step Two: Say the Name Quickly!

As soon as you’ve verified the name, say:

“I’m very glad to meet you, Jacqueline!”

Of course, you would replace Jacqueline with whatever their name is.

By saying it yourself, you are solidifying the data in your mind. This is a very important step. Don’t skip it!

Step Three: Relate Their Name

The previous name is easy for us in the United States. We could just think of Jackie Kennedy. For other names it may be more difficult, but always try to associate a person’s name with “already known” information in your mind’s database.

Sometimes it helps to associate their name with something crazy or unusual. For example, my name it Tom. To remember it, you might quickly picture me running around and chasing the cartoon mouse, Jerry, in your mind. You won’t easily forget my name after that! Remembering names is much easier when this method is applied.

Step Four: Ask A Question With Their Name

We have already said that we were glad to meet the person. Now we should find out more about them. This is simply good communication. Say something link this:

“So tell me, what brings you to this gathering, Jacqueline?”

Step Five: Use the Name Frequently

You don’t want to begin or end every sentence with the person’s name, but you can use it on every third or fourth comment you make. This will also help to further solidify the name in your mind.

Step Six: Say the Name In Departure

Reach out and shake Jacqueline’s hand and say:

“Jacqueline, it was a pleasure talking to you. Maybe we’ll get a chance to chat again sometime.”

Smile and walk away. This is a kind departing gesture, and it allows you one more opportunity to say their name.

Step Seven: Mention Their Name To A Friend

Go immediately, if possible, to someone you know and say:

“Have you met Jacqueline?”

Mention one or two things you discovered about her (good things, of course) while using her name once or twice.

Summary for Remembering Names

As you can see, the method is simple. When you use the name a lot, you will not forget the name. You will find that most people who complain of not being able to remember the names of others are not in the habit of using other’s names! So start using their names and remove the problem and embarrassment of not remembering them.