Change of Address

We’ve all done it. Seen a familiar face, remembered their story, but can’t recall their name. You can blame it on your bad memory or their hard-to-pronounce name, but the truth is most people comprehend and retain about 25 percent of what we hear on a daily basis, according to a University of Missouri report. Thanks to our weak listening skills and overloaded minds, names are usually the first thing to disappear from our memory. Here are 10 reasons people can’t remember your name and how to make it unforgettable:

1. Bad Memory
   Many people will forget your name within seconds of meeting you and chalk it up to having a bad memory. Considering all of the information your brain has to process in a single conversation and over the course of a day, your name is bound to be forgotten. Everyone is subject to having a bad memory, especially for names, so be sure to say your name loudly, clearly and slowly when meeting someone. If it’s not the first time you’ve meet, introduce yourself again and say your name throughout the conversation or storytelling.




2. You’re Simply Forgettable
   As harsh as it sounds to be forgettable, it may be true. If you’re a nervous, shy or soft-spoken person, it can be harder to make a memorable impression and your name may go in one ear and out the other. So, if it’s possible, try being a little more outgoing or talkative the next time you want your name to be remembered.




3. Sounds the Same
   Bob and Rob, Abby and Ashley, Taylor and Tyler — these names, and plenty of others, sound a lot alike and are easily mixed up. The best way to battle the confusion of your name is to politely correct the person and give them a nickname or clue to remember you by.




4. Uncommon Name
   Long, cultural or unique names are wonderful in their own right, but they tend to trip up people who are meeting you for the first time. One way to help someone remember your not-so-common name is to rhyme it with something, tell them your nickname or shorten your name until they can learn it for good.




5. Overly Common Name
   If your name is John, Robert, Sarah, Jennifer or another commonly used name, expect some people to forget you name, regardless of its simplicity or frequency. These everyday names can easily blend together, making it difficult to stand out among those named Jewel, Dallas, Baldwin or Taryn, for instance. Once again, using your nickname or last name can set your common name apart from others and make it more memorable.




6. Overloaded
   If you’re meeting someone in a group setting or while they’re preoccupied, chances are your name won’t make it into the memory bank right off the bat. People who are overloaded with new names and thoughts may need a private, less hectic introduction to truly catch your name.




7. Distracted
   Along with number 5, people who are overloaded with new names may also be distracted when you meet them. It’s easy to lose focus on something as important as a name when you’re confronted with other important tasks or information. In order to avoid a distracted introduction, you’ll want to time it right and speak to that person when they are free and focused on talking to you.




8. Memorable Face, Forgettable Name
   Some people remember faces better than names, and struggle to put names to the faces. You can help these puzzled people by introducing yourself again, wearing a nametag, or saying your name while telling a story.




9. Lazy
   All in all, some people are just down-right lazy and don’t see the point in trying to remember your name. Some assume you will introduce yourself again, or a friend or coworker will introduce you to them, while others just simply give up trying to remember your name. If you sense their laissez faire attitude or forgetfulness, be the one to introduce yourself again and make it a point to learn their name.




10. Poor Introduction
    If you muttered your name, said it quietly or didn’t say your name altogether, you didn’t introduce yourself properly, and it may be the reason why they can’t remember your name. It’s very important to say your name loudly, clearly and make good eye contact when meeting someone for the first time.

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