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Tips for remembering names July 12, 2006

43 folders has a few methods on how to remember names. Here is another…

This one involves engaging all of your main representational systems (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic) to ensure that if you forget one part, the other 2 will help you remember.

The method is very simple to describe, yet challenging to get right consistently at the start. This is mainly due to being a conscious habit in the beginning, and takes some effort to remember to perform it.

The technique is this: When you meet someone new, write their name on their forehead. Yeah, that sounds a little strange, and may offend some people when you pull out your permanent marker and start signing their name on their forehead.

But there are a few points. No need to pull out a pen, the important kinaesthetic part of the process is to, using small muscle movement, write out their name. This can be done with your hand in your pocket, or as you reach to shake their hand.

As you make those subtle movements, imagine the writing you make with your hand appear on the forehead. At the same time, either state their name to yourself again, or even better hear them saying their name.

This links everything together quite nicely. It links their face to their name, their voice to their name, their written name to their face, and various other combinations. Use it – let me know your results!

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