Remembering names - Page 2

I personally prefer to call women "babe"

In general, I refer to unknown Orientals as "Tojo", unknown blacks as "Kunta Kinte", unknown Hispanics as "Amigo, or Jose" and anybody else just a "yo there"

Yes, saying the name aloud works very well. One can even make one's hopelessness in remembering names into a kind of ice-breaker.

I'm also really bad with names. Reason is when I'm first introduced to someone I'm eyeing them and probably thinking how ugly they are instead of trying to remember their name. I've gone not knowing peoples name for up to a year and just finding other ways of talking to them.

I can remember 6 new phone numbers for 1 day even when I wake up and can´t remember anything from the night, but I can´t memorize new names for just 1 minute ..

I just fess up. "Dude, I know we met that night at Underground with Mike, but I've totally forgotten your name". He states it, I reintroduce myself on the assumption that I am equally forgettable, and eleven seconds of discomfort follows. Then life moves on.

With ethnic names I always try to play it like I can't remember the pronuciation. "Way-- Wayjin-, I'm sorry how do you pronounce it again? Weijiang? Weijiang, thank you." With professionals ina business setting after the ritual exchanging of cards I try to write something down on the back of the card to remember them by, like what the meeting was about or some sidebar conversation that we had.

'Fessing up is best. Otherwise dude/pal/buddy/Mack/chief, etc.

I do the same, but it never feels good enough to always go with the celebrity reference. But it will do til i find a better solution.

I'm incredibly good at remembering names and faces, to the point where it's actually mind-blowing. For me, it's effortless; it must be some kind of innate memorization skill. When my twenty-something niece was in preschool, she had the ability to memorize and recite whole paragraphs that were read to her, so maybe it's some kind of hereditary thing.

Then again, I misplace my car keys and sunglasses several times a week.

I look them in the eye and say their name outloud. then several times in my head while looking at them. if I think I'm going to forget, I say "I'm really not very good with names, I'm so sorry. If I forget, will you please forgive me"... on second thought, I actually do this: I introduce them to someone else... who's name I do remember. something like, "oh, have you two met?"

I use to think this about myself but then I realized that I have never forgotten the name of a hot chick in my life.

The only way is practice and seeing a person on a daily basis. After only 2-3 weeks, i had memorized first and last names of all 140 students, about 8 teachers and 5 administrators. When you see people every day, it's a lot easier.

+1

I forget guy's names almost instantly unless they've somehow made a positive impression on me, but i've never forgotten the name of an attractive chick.

There are many techniques for remembering names, but ignoring those, here's what I normally do:

1) When being introduced, clear your mind for a moment and try to actually pay attention to what the other person is saying (they will usually tell you their name). You'd be surprised how many people don't remember names simply because they were not paying attention when the name was given.

2) When the introduction is over, repeat the name out loud to indicate that you heard it right. If you didn't get it right, this gives the person a chance to correct you. This is also very useful when being introduced to multiple people, as it lets you repeat all their names and show that you actually care enough about them to make sure you get their names right. If you're unable to repeat the name because you didn't pay attention in 1), simply excuse yourself and tell them you didn't quite catch their name, and they will usually tell you again.

3) Later on in the conversation, when you realize you don't remember their name (either because you didn't pay attention in 1), didn't bother to do 2) or both), simply say so and ask them again. If you do this within 5-10 minutes of the conversation, it usually will not be as akward as asking them when meeting them for the fifth time three months later...

4) Whenever you realize that you don't know someone's name, simply say so and ask them what their name is again. Usually, this will be easier if you say something along the lines of "Sorry, but I'm terrible with names. What was yours again?" or "Sorry, but I forgot, what was your name again?" This may seem a bit stupid, but usually I get a positive response, since again, you show that you care enough about the person to try and remember their name, despite your "name memory handicap".

5) If you'd rather avoid asking their name again, try listening in on conversations about this person. Usually their friends will use their name when talking to them or about them, and you can pick it up there. Also, consider asking someone else who knows the person (i.e. one of their friends or colleagues) or someone who is better than you at remembering names.

6) When you meet someone who you know you've met before but don't remember their name, tell them so and offer a reintroduction. I never assume anyone remmebers my name either, so the situation is never really that akward.

In conclusion: Don't be afraid to be up front about not remembering their name. Usually telling them will be less akward than pretending to know who they are when you don't.

Hehe. This is a nice trick I have had to use a few times when picking up girls. If it's time to exchange phone numbers and I don't remember her name, I simply ask her to add herself to my phone book or spell the name for me. It usually works very well, but can lead to some awkward moments when you realize she's a "Jane" or an "Annie"