8 ways PR pros can remember names

Would you rather write your next article on a typewriter—or go to a networking function and try to remember the names of everyone you meet?

Pass me the bond paper.

I’m horrible with names. I shake hands with someone, the person says his or her name and within 10 seconds I’ve forgotten the moniker. It doesn’t matter if I’m meeting a new neighbor or my counterpart at one of our competitors—the name does not stick.

As PR and communications professionals, we know the importance of building rapport and maintaining relationships with clients. It’s not always easy when you can’t remember the name of the woman sitting next to you at lunch.

Don’t fear: There are plenty of techniques and tricks from business pros and memory experts to help you remember names. Here are several:

1. Pay attention to the person’s name when it’s said.

This may seem obvious, but it’s not always easy to do.

Sometimes people introduce themselves and then jump right in and ask a question. You might be focused on the question and not pay attention to the name—or maybe you’ve been introduced to a big group of people at the same time and you don’t remember who was who.

Do your best to register each name as it’s pronounced.