Key takeaways
- Names have no built-in meaning.
- Attention is the first step.
- Repeat and use the name.
- Make a vivid association.
- Review it later.
"I'm terrible with names" is one of the most common memory complaints at every age. The good news is that name recall is a skill you can improve.
Why names are so hard
No meaning
A name like "Baker" tells you nothing about a person, unlike the word "baker", which instantly brings up an image.
Divided attention
During introductions we are often thinking about what to say next.
Little repetition
We usually hear a name once and never use it.
9 techniques
| Technique | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Pay attention | Pause and focus when you hear the name |
| Repeat it | "Nice to meet you, Sarah." |
| Ask about it | Spelling or origin creates more connections |
| Picture it | "Rose" holding a red rose |
| Link to someone | Another person you know with the same name |
| Link to a feature | "Curly Carl" |
| Use it again | In conversation and when saying goodbye |
| Write it down | Note it in your phone afterwards |
| Review it | Recall it later that day and the next |
Supporting memory naturally
Good sleep, exercise, social activity and a brain-healthy diet all support memory. Brain Savior adds phosphatidylserine, which has been studied in older adults for recalling names and faces, along with bacopa, ginkgo, Siberian ginseng and alpha lipoic acid.
Sources
- Harvard Health Publishing – "Remembering names."
- Brédart S. – "Retrieval failures in face naming," Memory, 1993.
- Crook T.H. et al. – "Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment," Neurology, 1991.
Common questions
Why do I forget names so easily?
Names have no built-in meaning and we often are not paying full attention when we hear them.
What is the best way to remember a name?
Repeat it, link it to a vivid image and use it again in conversation.
Can memory techniques work for older adults?
Yes, these techniques work at any age with practice.