It's Not Bad Memory: It's Just Excuses

How to Remember Names and Faces

Well, you could always blame poor memory for your embarrassing habit of forgetting names and faces.

You could.

But you could also take responsibility for the problem, instead of making excuses. You might actually get better at remembering names and faces. You could, actually, solve the problem.

So if it's not your poor memory, what is the reason? What are the real reasons you can't remember the name of a new customer or associate?

A Bad Attitude. The more you blame memory loss for the problem, the more likely you'll keep on forgetting people's names. Yes, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy because you give yourself a way out every time. But if you want to recover from forgetting people's names, you'll have to throw away your "poor long-term memory" crutch.

The first step in changing your bad attitude is this: quit telling people "how terrible I am with names," or "I have such a bad memory. You really must forgive me."

Consider this: when you say those excuses, many people think you are just emphasizing your unprofessional or rude behaviour.

Not Really Listening. Does it seem you always forget new names and faces? If so, it is probably not your memory that's to blame. It's that you're not truly listening when you meet someone. You have a complete lack of focus. "Forgetters" are often completely focussed on themselves, instead of on the new people they are meeting. Instead of hearing, "Jim Bailey," they are thinking "Is my dress too tight?" or "Are my sales numbers going to meet target this quarter?" Or maybe they are thinking, "I wish my feet didn't hurt so badly." When you are thinking these extraneous thoughts, you're not focussing on the new information coming your way. You should take a deep breath and let go these thoughts. Instead, focus completely on Jim Bailey, how he looks and sounds, and his name. Focus completely on this new person and you'll break that rude habit of forgetting people's names almost instantly!

Too Much, All at Once. Have you ever been introduced to a big group of people all at once? No wonder you forget their names. It's information overload. When that happens, ask the person who did the introductions to give you a review in private...have them remind you of the names and faces again. This way, you can still make a good impression when you meet them again.


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Andre Thunestvedt is the creator and owner of How-Improve-Memory.com. Follow the link and get ten expert tips to improve memory. If you want to know more about some ways of improving memory, then follow the link!