Problems remembering people names?

Question

For some reason I have some problems remembering people names.

Generally I can remember the names of people currently living/working with me pretty easily, but it sometimes happen that I just can´t recall the names of people I haven´t met in a while.

In the past years I have been travelling quite a lot and met a lot of people, and this might be the reason...

Do you guys have the same problem or have some tricks to improve this skill??

Thanx

Answer 1

I totally have this problem!!!  I always remember peoples faces and never their name.  

My trick is to ask them for their mobile number and once you get it ask them how to spell their name - even if their name is John you can always come back with how you knew someone who spelled it  differently.  Or if it really is a simple name and they seem really quite appalled that you don't know how to spell Paul you can say - NO I'm talking about your surname!!!

Sounds quite ridiculous I know but it works for me!! :)

Answer 2

Hi I always have this problems too.What makes it more worse is that person will remember my name and I don't remember theirs.So what I try to do is write them down.Like where I met this person and stuff like that.

Answer 3

Cafe is right - all I can add to that is:

As you meet someone and they say their name, repeat it back to them (nobody minds this in fact it's a courtesy) but at the same time think of something visual that relates to the name. Repeat it mentally a few times as you talk or listen to them. I can do it as a party trick at conferences and meetings that I run, best I ever did was 30 people and got awed looks and applause, so I know it works!

Steve

Answer 4

I don't think that's such a problem.

I have troubles remembering certain neighbours - their faces and names. Sometimes I probably pass by them and don't say hello as I don't remember their faces. Some people just don't have distinctive faces, features and they look like anyone and I can't remember them.

It may also be that those people don't mean much to you. You're not attached to them, they;re not close to you, not friends, and if you don't spend much time with them of course you don't remember them.

Answer 5

Write them down.

Answer 6

Remember and recalling things is a skill that needs practice. It is like a muscle that needs constant training. To hone this skill you must learn how to vividly create images within your mind. This is very hard, but with practice it will be mastered. Example; You met a man named Bob. I would create a vivid image so real in my mind, where I could see, smell, touch, hear everything. I would imagine Bob on a pond, in the forest or whatever... floating on the surface with other ducks; bobbing up and down. Get it? The more real it is the better.

Best of luck

Answer 7

this is very common, dont worry, i have the same problem too.