Remembering names is difficult for many people, so you are not alone. When meeting someone, using visual techniques can help you remember their name, mainly because you essentially repeat the information and add another meaning to the audible sound of the person's name. You can use mental visualization, but you can also use physical visual references to help you remember people's names.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Mental Visualization
Step 1. Convert the name to an image
When you hear a name, try to associate it with a visual image in your mind. For example, if someone is called "Rosa", imagine a rose in a field in the morning. These types of associations can go a long way with memorization.
Step 2. View the spelled name
If you don't have time to jot down a name, imagining the spelled name can be helpful. If possible, you should say and pronounce the letters of the name. Of course, you shouldn't start spelling it out of nowhere, as that will make people think you're a bit weird. Instead, ask the person how to spell the name and repeat it.
- As you say each letter, imagine it in your head as well.
- Try to make each letter dance or move a bit as you visualize it, which can also help you remember.
- Another tactic is to display it somewhere familiar, like a dry erase board.
Step 3. Connect the person with another person
If you know someone with the same name as the person you are introduced to, take a moment to mentally connect the two people so that you can better remember the name of the person you just met.
- For example, imagine that you know someone named "Maria" and you already know a Maria. Imagine the Maria you know (just her face), maybe dancing a bit.
- Put the head of the person you just met next to the head of the one you know. You can even make the head of the former move at the same time as the latter.
Step 4. Focus on a strange trait
As you start talking to a new person, try to choose something unusual about the person's appearance. You may like the person's excessively curly hair or associate it with their dimples. You may notice her bright blue eyes. Try to make the person's name stick in your head by focusing on an unusual trait.
Step 5. Create a wacky visualization
Another visualization technique to aid memory is to mentally create a picture of the person with something that they are associated with. For example, if you meet a friend named Adam who likes to read, imagine him sitting at the foot of a tree reading a giant book and wearing a loincloth (with a spectacled snake on his shoulder to make the picture look more absurd).
The more absurd the image you create, the better. Unusual situations will help you remember the image better
Step 6. Combine the techniques
It is also helpful to combine the techniques, such as making a visual association and using an unusual trait. Once you notice an unusual feature and think of a visual association for the name, try to connect the two through an action.
- For example, if you meet a Ramón, whom you associate with ramen noodles, visualize someone using chopsticks to grab the unusual feature, such as a lock of his curly hair.
- Again, the crazier the association, the more likely you are to remember it.
- Don't forget to go over the visualization more than once to make it take hold.
Step 7. Place the new information in your memory palace
Some people use what is known as the "memory palace" to remember things, including names. To create a memory palace, use a place that you are familiar with in the real world that has many defined rooms or spaces, such as your house. Start by visualizing only 5 of those spaces or rooms. In each space, choose 5 pieces of furniture or objects, and list them logically. When you want to remember something, put it in the memory palace.
For example, you may want to remember that Marcelo likes trampolines. Visualize him jumping up and down on a bed in your memory palace
Method 2 of 2: Use Physical Visual Tricks
Step 1. Write down the person's name
Jotting down the person's name is a visual reference that can help increase your ability to remember. When someone tells you their name, immediately take the time to write it down. For example, you can write it down on a notepad or napkin.
You may not have time to jot down the name right away. Just be sure to pause and take a moment to jot down the names as soon as you can
Step 2. Write some notes about the person
Another visual reference that can help you remember later is to make notes about the person under their name. You may have mentioned your family or where you like to go for coffee. You may have mentioned a hobby or activity. Jotting these things down can help you as a reference later and also serve as a visual reminder.
Step 3. Apply for a business card
While just seeing a name won't help you remember how to spell it, doing so can help. When the person hands you the card, be sure to study the name for a second so it takes hold in your brain. Also, a business card can serve as a later reminder if you forget your name.
Step 4. Type the name on the phone
Another visual reference you can use is writing the name and number on the phone. Ask the person to say their name. That way, you will know the exact pronunciation and, at the same time, you will record it in your memory. Another option is to have him write his name so you know exactly how to spell it. You can then search for the person on social media later.