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Remember it right
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Forgetting someone's name at a crucial moment can be embarrassing. Some tips to help you remember
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It's all in the name: a great deal of thought goes into choosing names for children. — Photo: Shaju John
A PERSON'S name means a great deal to him or her. It is the sweetest sound to listen to one's own name being called. It defines who we are, an extension of our ego, our identity.
We can deal with our names being mispronounced. But someone forgets your name, you feel a sense of rejection — "I was not important enough, obviously!"
Your parents spent days trying to come up with the perfect name for you. Let us not forget the contributions of excited grandparents, uncles and aunts. Finally, a unique name is selected for a unique human waiting to make a bawling entrance into this world.
After all that time and energy spent, it is understandable the indignity a forgotten name can cause. Whether it is in the social or business arena, there is nothing more embarrassing than forgetting names while introducing people.
We all have experienced our share of embarrassing episodes where we desperately try to remember the name of the person who is obviously delighted to see us.
Or, how about the time when you had to introduce this person with whom you have been having cosy chats and your mind went blank at the crucial juncture!
Now this one takes the cake — realising you have been calling someone by the wrong name the whole time. Yes, these episodes have happened to all of us at some point or the other, in our adult life.
It's so simple
So how do we deal with this memory loss? There are some simple techniques that can help you remember names. Try them. You can avoid many awkward moments in a group.
First of all, tell yourself "I am going to remember names". The mind has an amazing capability of cooperating with you.
Pay attention while being introduced.
You have just been introduced to someone. Don't just say hello and stop. Continue the greeting with the name, "Hello, so and so... "
While saying that, look attentively at the other person's face and try to register some important facial feature and record it in your memory.
Use the name as often and appropriately as possible, during the conversation. You are really scoring points with these tactics.
Another trick is association. Does it rhyme with something? Does someone you know have a similar or same name?
Don't hesitate to ask for the correct spelling of the name, take your time, and spell it out slowly and deliberately.
Another trick is to visualise the spelling.
Try any one of these tips and you will amaze yourself and impress others with your memory power.
The time lapse between meetings does not matter — you make people feel special.
In spite of all this, if you still have selective memory loss, honesty is the best policy. Apologise for the temporary lapse and do find out the name you have forgotten.
Hopefully, you are not one of those who ask someone for their "good" name!
CHITRA S. DANGER
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