When I was training to be an etiquette expert in Washington, D.C., 20+ years ago, the first tip I learned stuck with me: Repeat a person’s name three times in conversation to remember it. It really works because repetition plants the name in your brain quickly.
Here are some other handy tips:
- When You First Meet Someone Say Their Name Out Loud. Think of it like studying for an exam. The oral study works well.
- Attach Their Name To Something. As someone who is dyslexic, I like to play the name game and associate people with others. I have two friends named Vivien and Paul, but I could never remember their them, not until I remembered them as ‘VP,’ and I never forgot them.
- If You Forget Their Name, Ask. It’s much better than standing in a crowd and not knowing. Plus, it makes everyone feel uncomfortable.
- Use A Rhyme. Silly yes, but if you can remember that Vicky loves Mickey, then why not?
- If You Forget Entirely, Ask Someone Else. They also may have forgotten yours.
