The Names and Faces Method

Purpose:

To remember the names and faces of people that are introduced to you, perhaps at a party or conference. Many people can be embarrassed if they can't remember the name of someone they have met. By using this simple technique you will actually have fun remembering names, and your contacts will be very flattered when you speak to them by name after just one meeting.

How it works:

By making associations between someone's permanent features, and their name.

Method:

Get the name correct
This may seem obvious, but it is crucial to ensure that you heard the correct name in the first place! You may only get the one chance, so make absolutely sure by repeating it back to them, and check that it is correct. If the name is unusual, ask how it is spelled; this in itself will encourage you to remember the name and the person.

Make the association
Sometimes, it is incredibly easy; I was once introduced to a guy called to Steve, who was the spitting image of Steve Wright, a radio personality in the UK. It was easy to remember his name. Continue to repeat the name to yourself, whilst matching it to a distinguishing feature on the person. You may need to play around with the name, make it rhyme with something, and match it with some outstanding feature.

Examples:

A man called Mark might have a mark/mole on his face

A girl called June might have a bright complexion or, sounding like dune, might have sandy hair

A lad called Robert might appear to have been robbed of some small part of one feature

Someone called John might look like someone else you know called John

Jane might be plain

Enforce the association
As you start talking to your new contact, listen to what he/she is saying about his/her job or hobbies, to make further associations between face and name.

Examples:

Jack might like sailing (jack tar)

Pete might like gardening (peat)

Cathy might like cats

Pat might be a postman

Have fun

Once you get the hang of it, making connections between people's names, faces, jobs and hobbies can be great fun. It adds a whole new dimension to meeting people for the first time.