I have great difficulty in remembering people's names/faces. Any ideas on how i can improve on that?

Question

For example, once i introduced myelf to the same person 5 times. My excuse was that he had a generic face..but i can't just keep making excuses for myself :S

Answer 1

associate: the name - the face - and a an object that links the two.

ie: roundfaced Bob is round like two-bob piece

Answer 2

I have a book on improving memory called "Harry Loraynes Page a minute Memory Book"

It specifically talks about remembering names and faces.

Essentially, the most important thing is to pay attention.

A few things to help pay attention have been mentioned already - restating their name - also ask people how they spell their name (especially if it is one that can be spelled many ways) - etc.

This book goes an extra step to explain that making a connection between face and name, you need to find some striking feature -preferably a feature of their face - and connect it with their name somehow.

The more silly it is, the more likely you will remember it.

I'm trying to find it so I can re-print an example, but do I remember where I put it...? :)

Answer 3

It seems like previous posters have had some great ideas! Linking something unique about the person you are introduced to with their name (like Rose=flower) is a great way to remember names.

I read a great book about memories and how to unlock your memorizing power. It's called "Total Recall: How to Boost Your Memory Power" by Joan Minninger, Ph.D., Rodale Press. Some topics include why we forget, how we remember, and how to remember just about anything. It's a bit of a tough read, but do-able, and well worth it. (I bet it's online for cheap.)

One concept I picked up from the book was the idea that we are what we say we are. In short, if I say "Oh, I'm horrible at remembering names." Then, I will be. My lack of recalling someone's name is due to the fact that I feel I am bad at remembering names, and thus I fulfill my own fate everytime I say, "Oh, I'm so bad at names." Get it? It's an odd concept, but so true. (Another example is: if someone tells you that you're great at playing the piano, even if you're just starting out, you'll probably believe it, and probably practice more and with more enthusiasm than is someone said, "Man, you suck at that; you should just keep your day job." See?)

My favorite memory trick is to repeat their name after they say it. For instance, they say, "Hi, I'm Matthew." and I reply, "Hi, Matthew, it's great to meet you." I then try to stick their name into the conversation at least once or twice, so I hear myself saying their name.The repetition works wonders!

Good luck! :)

Answer 4

When introduced think of a word which relates to the name.
Say the name was Rose think flower.
The next time you face the person the name will come to you.
It is just finding a key word which will unlock the memory.

Answer 5

when i come across someone and i can't remember their name.....i just say "excuse me..will you tell me your name again?" people take it as a compliment that you cared about them enough that you asked them.......when it comes to the face i do that too...especially if the person is out of their element....like your seeing your dentist in a grocery store...hard to place them.....about introducing yourself? you could try to remember what they are wearing that will trigger your memory......or find a trait like "big ears". or something silly........you get the idea? ok

Answer 6

often this happens b'cause inside your mind you are not trying to rememeber it .it might seem not the case but it is the truth.whenvever you get a name or date try associating with something related to the person that interested you and that comes to your mind immidiately asy ou meet the person and most of all you have to believe that you can remember the name the belief itself will help a lot .

Answer 7

i have the same problem but not after seeing them 5 times maybe after 2yrs or once

Answer 8

A cute trick that works for me is picture writing on their forehead their name. It works all the time for me.

Answer 9

this isnt uncommon, what you can do is start playing memory games and that will help you to remember ive done it because ive have bad memory problems too. it happens because of multiple reasons ;-P

Answer 10

i don't see any problem, i even find it good for you. i believe that whatever people think bad for you is actually good to yourself. they just can't get satisfaction from you because you love yourself as what you are.