Get Better at Remembering People’s Names

It’s a problem many of us have experienced: You meet someone new and two seconds later you can’t remember his or her name. This is hugely important in building business connections, so here are a few tips:

• Get it right the first time. If you’re introduced to someone and don’t catch her name right away, ask her to say it again. If it’s a name you don’t recognize, ask about its origin or how it’s spelled.
• Use it right away. “It’s nice to meet you, John.” Don’t overdo it, but try to work the name into the conversation a few times as you start talking.
• Ask for a business card. Don’t just  stick it in your pocket. Take a look at it and comment on the logo or something else while you focus on the name.
• Connect the name to something familiar. This will help you remember it later.

Adapted from “How to Remember a Name,” by Diane Darling.
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