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No one's ability to remember names is perfect. Yet this
important skill gives you the advantage in business and
personal relations. In my research, I have found that
memory lapses often boil down to a question of
concentration. Each day our brains are bombarded with
information that is evaluated in a complex sorting
system. Generally, we store important information in a
long-term memory and hold less meaningful data in
short-term memory. What is the art of remembering names
then ? Firstly keep focused. When you find yourself
wrestling with a forgotten name ten seconds after an
introduction, it's because you were inattentive. This
happens primarily because we often are preoccupied with
ourselves. once I was to address a group of memory
scholars. On the way to the conference center, I noticed
my socks didn't match. I was a little annoyed but I
didn't do anything about it. When faced with the group
of scholars, all I could think about was my socks. My
speech got off to an awkward start, and I had to
struggle to remember what I wanted to say. Remember,
when you're meeting someone new, clear your thoughts of
outside concerns. If you mind wanders during an
introduction, ask that the name be repeated.
To reinforce your memory, dramatise faces. If you try
to memorise names by rote, you'll probably forget the
information quickly. But if you dramatise names and
faces with memorable images, you'll most likely recall
them with ease. The best way to retain new names is by
'association-exaggerating' or forging connections
between unlike things. Here's how: After you've been
told a person's name, focus on his face. Is there
something particularly interesting or attractive about
it ? Is the hair bright red? Are the eyebrows heavy? are
the eyes striking ? select just one feature and commit
it to memory by exaggerating or animating it.
You could also make associations. Once you've
memorised a particular feature, transform the person's
name into an unforgettable image through rudimentary and
even amusing connections. Easy associations work best.
You may select a word that sounds like the name. After
you've found a dramatic image for a name, place it over
the distinct feature of the person's face. if you can
make the images interactive, then you will increase
recall.
The final key is to remember a person's name in
review. During your conversation, say the name as often
as seems appropriate. For example, "That's an
interesting point, Mike !" At the end of your
conversation, repeat the name out loud. For example,
"I'm glad we had a chance to meet, Mike." After wards,
you may want to write down a person's name and the
imagery you have connected with it.
Training yourself to remember names may take a lot of
practice. But once you've mastered the art, you can be
sure people will remember you. |
