Don’t sabotage a business event. Master these memory tips and by the end of the day reap a valuable reward – a new contact.
Admit it. At some point you’ve forgotten someone’s name. Acronyms, a collection of letters that spell out a word, are the most common mnemonic strategy used when committing information to memory. Remembering names can be achieved using FACE, which stands for the four essential steps in the process of name recall: Focus, Ask, Comment and Employ. These steps can spur a complex reaction in the mind that makes the recall of the person’s name easier.
FOCUS
In sports, they call it “putting on your game face.” Athletes know that a large part of the battle is mental preparation, focusing on the task at hand. Athletes concentrate their attention on what they’re about to do, engaging in what sports psychologists call “positive imaging.” When the critical moment finally arrives – a breakaway in a hockey game, a pass into the end zone – the athlete is mentally prepared to handle it, increasing the chances of success.
Business, too, is competition. Meeting strangers is one of the critical moments when you can either score points or get shut out. Establish a connection, or you can risk lapsing into the breezy mode that most people use when meeting others for the first time.
ASK
Even if you’ve focused on hearing the name and are positive that you heard it correctly, it’s crucial to ask to hear it again. It’s certainly better to make the confirmation while meeting someone rather than waiting until you run into the person 10 minutes later.
COMMENT
Memory building is the forming of connections between new information and things the brain already knows. Cross-referencing helps embed the new information. One of the most crucial ties of all is what you accomplish with “Comment.” This takes the name deeper into your memory by linking it to knowledge that is already rock-solid in your brain.
Sometimes the only thing that will occur to you is a single statement or fact: “My brother’s name is Simon, too,” or “Melissa – that’s my wife’s name.” Commenting gives you the chance to say the name aloud again.
EMPLOY
You’ve spoken the name inquisitively (“Did you say Ed?” “It’s Ed?”). But you’ve never said the name in a way that signifies to an acquaintance that you’ve integrated it into memory. Now it’s time to “Employ” the name.
Make the person’s name the topic of your initial conversation or use it once in the course of talking. Introduce the person to others. Say goodbye to the person using their name.
About Face
FOCUS
Mental preparation is the first step in remembering a new person’s name. Concentrate on the task at hand.
ASK
Reinforcement drives memory. After an introduction, ask a new acquaintance to repeat their name for clarification.
COMMENT
Relate a name to something familiar, such as “My brother’s name is Steve, too.”
EMPLOY
Incorporate a new name into conversation. Make sure to say goodbye by addressing a new acquaintance in the first person.
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