Do you literally forget someone’s name seconds after learning it? Well, we might have a solution for you as memory experts pitch in their advise.
We’ve all had to either substitute someone’s name to some random introduction or just decided to say nothing at all.
Asking for someone’s name the second, or even third, time just feels utterly awful. First, find solace in the fact that you’re not alone in this awkwardness. It’s a very common experience – especially given all the things we need to keep in mind.
Memory expert Ron White highlighted how memory isn’t actually the problem. It’s all related to ‘focus’.
He said that when you meet people, you are thinking ‘What do I think of them? What do they think of me? Have we met before? Do I look okay?’
As your mind goes through this script, the brain doesn’t even process the name. You literally don’t hear their name!
So the first trick you can weaponise to learn names is to actually constantly focus on the thought ‘What is their name’ when you meet them.
Double world record holder for remembering names Katie Kermode recommended word associations. She can remember 105 names in five minutes and 224 in 15 minutes.
The trick? Associate the name with something it reminds you of. This is simple enough for names such as ‘Rose’. For more complex names, try using images in your head.
The goal is to make it unforgettable. Ronald Johnson gives a bizarre example. Host of the podcast ‘The Craft of Memory’, he gives his own name as an example. He pictures McDonald’s due to the reference to Ronald McDonald. He then pictures French Fries shoved up his nose.
Making memory a dramatic, bizarre and absurd story helps make images stick easier. Conversely, you can use it in mid-conversation so as to drill it into your head.
This has the added benefit of affirming the person’s existence as you talk. It lets them know you are present and with them.
So there you go! You’ll be safe in any scenario if you just apply these few tricks.
#MaltaDaily
