I met many new people at a wedding last weekend. And I can’t remember most of their names. Does this happen to you?

For the most part, names are arbitrary. Because the information itself isn’t meaningful, you have to make a special effort to create meaningful connections in order for the memory to ’stick’.

Association is one easy way to make these connections and remember more names.

When you meet people, look for a connection to something that is bizarre yet memorable. It might be something they have done, or something about their appearance. For example, Helen is forever on top of a Tiger Moth as she once did a charity stunt; Charlie Smith is a picture of Charlie Chaplain with a sign saying SMITH!, while Sally has a tall black hat as she reminds me of a witch.

You have to be careful with this, of course, as you don’t want to let people know if you have an unflattering nickname for them!

Click here for more tips and tools to help you enhance your memory.

My best wishes, Paul
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