The post on What I Learned From Chris Brogan generated a rich discussion in the comments – particularly around remembering people’s names.
You can’t underestimate the power of knowing someone’s name. In fact, one person said the most important word in the world to any person is that person’s own name.
Some practical tips from the discussion:
Malcolm Sleath: Draw a simple map of where everyone is sitting. As they introduce themselves, write their name in the right place on the plan with one or two words of what they said. Then play a game – look at people at random and try to say their name in your head.
Chris Brogan: Look directly into their eyes when getting their name. Repeat their name a few times. Introduce them to others around you – which lets you repeat their name. Shut out all the “what next” noise.
Sy Taylor: Use spaced repetition. Set a reminder for three days time with the name in context. Just as you’re about to forget, that hit buries it in.
Me: I introduce the person I’ve just met to someone else. Saying their name out loud is better than saying it in your head, and I can then link their name to the memory of introducing them.