From Andy Duffy and by Andy Duffy. (Jun 29th, 2009)

If you are one of those people who says to themselves ”Ooo, now, what did he / she say their name was?” then this tip is for you. If not feel very good about already having a way of remembering names excellently and gallantly read on !

As with any strategy for some people this works first time and for others some repetition is required, personally I’m still using it,
1. because it works and
2. because its fun to do while noticing how much better at it you’re getting.
It’s these tiny applications of NLP know how that excite me, discovering ways to use your own brain to help you achieve more and feel great about it.

Here is a strategy you can use to remember peoples’ names more effectively, try it out, modify it and find out what works best for you.  I’ll use a training room / networking event as an example but you can look forward to thinking about how the ideas here might be useful in other ways.
When you meet the person smile and let them open; “Hi I’m Andy, how are you?” Repeat their name back to them “Hi Andy, I’m fantastic thanks, I’m (  )” or if you open, put out your hand and say “Hi, I’m (   ), how are you?” “I’m Andy, great thanks, and you (  )?”
 As you repeat their name back to them imagine their name printed on their forehead, I like to imagine it in bright neon.
Throughout the conversation use their name when possible; “So Andy, who else do you know here?” ;-) “What brings you here Andy?” “What first sparked your interest in NLP Andy?”

You get the idea, don’t you? “I know what you’re saying  Andy, I had something similar”.
These are just examples use what feels right to you, the important part is to say their name and help speed up memory.

This multi sensory (internal Visual – sign, Auditory – saying the name, Kinesthetic -handshake) encoding works very well in improving memory / associations.  By repeating the name at the same time in your mind and shaking hands you are combining Internal Dialogue with Kinesthetic, associating the two ’sensory experiences’ together. So, when your mind searches for their name there will be more associations for ‘it’ to make.  Which means you’re more likely to remember them and who they are. Of course there are places where you don’t shake hands.  For me internal Visual - sign and Auditory – saying the name,  along with using their name at least three times in opening conversation works very well also. Your own mileage with this may vary, I hope only to have given you some ideas and remember;
There is no failure only feedback & practice makes permanent.
Enjoy

Verdana; font-size: small;”>Andy

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