How to Increase Your Ability to Remember Names

Remembering the name of someone you have just met takes a conscious, consistent effort. You must make a commitment to remember their name. You can remember names if you want to and work at it.

Concentrate. When they tell you their name initially, focus on it. If you miss it or find a few seconds later that you've already forgotten it, say "I'm sorry, I missed your name. Can you give it to me again?" If you still have trouble with it, say, "I'm sorry, but would you spell that out for me?" After getting a grip on the name, focus to get a clear, detailed impression of the person. The more vividly you observe a person's physical characteristics, the more likely you are to remember them. By paying closer attention to the details around you, you will increase your skills of observation, improve your eye contact and increase your ability to remember the person.

Repeat. Repetition helps engrave the name in your memory. When you first hear the name, use it immediately, then repeat it silently to yourself. Use the name at least three times in your initial conversation. Do your best to use it occasionally in the conversation without overdoing it, and then use it again when leaving.

Associate. Associate their name with a unique feature of that person, such as a facial feature or physical attribute of some sort. It’s best to use something that is likely to be a permanent feature versus something that might change, like an article of clothing or piece of jewelry. Link the name and feature, and then visualize the connection.

Get Creative. Create a picture in your mind. What’s unique about that person? Make up a story about them in your mind, or create a rhythm that will help you remember that person’s name. 

Exercise Your Brain. Consistently exposing the brain to new things improves the brain’s ability to search and retrieve information efficiently. Similar to building muscle strength, the best way to strengthen memory is to provide the brain with regular work outs. Things such as a daily word search or a crossword puzzle, starting a new hobby, learning a foreign language or picking up a new musical instrument can help. These are all things that involve the brain thinking in new ways. They will not only improve memory, but overall brain health. 

All it takes to remember names is time and energy. It makes people feel important when you remember their name, and it opens the door to successful relationships.