Comments on: How to Remember a Person’s Name (And What to Do When You Can’t)

By: Audra Krell

Audra Krell — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:58:20 +0000

I mentally write the person’s name. Something about the virtual writing of their name really helps. We could combine your and my idea, by mentally writing their name on their forehead.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:29:36 +0000

Is this a picture of Robert Neyland?

By: Raj Asarpota

Raj Asarpota — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 04:40:29 +0000

I always have trouble as well. Over the years I have used all the techniques mentioned above with varying degrees of success but I keep trying.

By: HUGO

HUGO — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:03:21 +0000

I try to find out what a person does or something interesting about them. Then, when I introduce them to someone else I’ll say something like, ” This is Mike, he just got back from climbing Mt. Everest.” It helps me remember their name.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:49:37 +0000

I’ve always had trouble with this. I started trying repeating the name often, when I’m meeting or leaving someone, and it’s really made a difference.

By: Blake

Blake — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:30:39 +0000

“If you’re not a gambling man, you can simply walk up, stick out your hand, and say your name. “Brett. We met at the Christmas party last year.” They’ll likely respond in kind by saying their name. Chances are, he or she had forgotten your name too! By taking the initiative, you remove their burden of anxiety as well. Very gentlemanly.”

I’ve done this for years assuming that people don’t remember my name or how they know me. And if I’m not sure how they know me, I just say may name followed by, “and I’m sure we’ve met before. Perhaps…?” Works every time.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:54:56 +0000

I have a terrible memory in general, so names are definitely not one of my strong suits. Great points about repetition, it has always helped with my memory. Also, having the balls to tell someone you forgot their name and asking for it again is an honorable quality. Stalling, hoping that you will figure it out before they realize is not a good plan. As he said, the longer you are with someone, the more insulted they will be by you not knowing their name. In the end, you will likely break down and ask anyway, so just get it out of the way early.

By: jon

jon — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:47:54 +0000

My wife an I always do the “oh, have you met my wife” thing because i am horrible at names and it works pretty well.
I just love the suggestion of saying “hi, my name is Jon, we met at the blah blah blah”. that is great. gives both parties a way out of not remembering. not great in all situations but still really good. thanks for the tips. hoping this will help.

By: Danny May

Danny May — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:28:18 +0000

I never had that problem Im pretty good with names and faces *shrugs* I guess it’s my talent

By: Kazuo Takahashi

Kazuo Takahashi — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:11:54 +0000

I tend to worry so much about the dribble that’s about to come out of my mouth; proper English, pronunciation, do I have bad breath, is that missing tooth going to show etc., that I totally zone out when a new acquaintance is talking to me. Five minutes later I’m like “What the hell is your name?” I guess it’s a confidence issue. Man I suck. Great article, btw.