If you've been reading or attending trainings on business etiquettes, you've probably realized that learning how to master personal manners when meeting new friends can be complex...
From the meet and greet, to effective use of business cards and to remembering names, you want to take on a professional approach as you never have a second chance to make a great first impression.
Well, remembering names may be difficult for some people, but it's not impossible. It's a skill: something that you can improve with constant application.
Here are some ways to remember names:
1 REPEAT
When someone is introduced to you, repeat their name. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mark." This can help reinforce your memory of the name. You may also introduce them to someone else so that you can create an opportunity to use their name.
2 USE MENTAL IMAGERY
We think in pictures, therefore associating an image with a name can help in assisting recall. For example, after meeting Bill the plumber, imagine the word Bill spelled with pipes. If Jason Smith is a marathon runner, imagine Jason running on a treadmill in a gym called Jason's. Or just imagine a person's name written on their forehead.
Pick an imagery that works for you. The more striking or exaggerated your mental picture, the bigger the chances of recall.
3 PUT IT ON PAPER
Write the name down as soon as you can. Or write their details on the business card they give you so that you would remember them the next time you see them around. (Just make sure you don't let the person see you writing on their business card.)
4 USE THEIR NAME IN CREATIVE SENTENCES
Mentally construct sentences that are fun and a bit frivolous, to make name recall less stressful. Alliterations, or repeating consonant sounds in succession, are a great way to remember names. For example, to remember Jane who sells kitchen ware, you can repeat in your head: Jane makes jam and juice in January.
5 BE GENUINELY INTERESTED
Remembering names begin with attitude. If you're sincerely interested in a person, then they would make an impact on you. If you adapt the attitude that everyone is interesting, and are a potential ally in business, then remembering names would come as second nature.
Past Three Publications on Business Monday:
- UNDERSTANDING BASIC BUSINESS ETIQUETTE (4)
- UNDERSTANDING BASIC BUSINESS ETIQUETTE (3)
- UNDERSTANDING BASIC BUSINESS ETIQUETTE (2)
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Acknowledgement: Micheal N. Micheal (pioneer of #TheCommonSenseProject & #BusinessMonday)