Tips for Figuring Out Their Name
You ever have that moment of recognition? You see someone that obviously knows you, but you’re not sure who they are. Or at best, you talk to them every day (or every Sunday) and you should know their name, but you don’t. Here are some tips for remembering (or figuring out) their names:
- Introduce the guy next to you to the mystery person - If you say something like, “Have you two met? This is Jack.” maybe the mystery person will offer their name.
- Ask for their phone number and how to spell their name - If they say, “B-O-B,” you can say, “I know it’s silly, but sometimes people have the weirdest spellings.” Better yet, give them the piece of paper to write their own name.
- Introduce yourself - Maybe Mr. X will say his name. If he says, “I’m Jack. We met at the church fireworks party,” just agree. “Oh, that’s right.”
- ‘Fess up - You could always just apologize and say you don’t remember their name.
When you do learn their name, help yourself remember it by saying it again and again. Don’t over do it.
Not like this: “How are things, Jack? That’s good to hear. I like to waterski too, Jack. Jack, can I tell you something? You’re one of my favorite people. I tell everyone, Jack’s a good man. Have you met Jack?”
[tags]figure out names, names[/tags]
n8n7 says:
June 5th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
I also read somewhere that when meeting people, don’t say “nice to meet you” but rather “nice to see you”. This takes care of the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time….again.
n8n7 says:
June 5th, 2006 at 3:38 pm
…and then there are the unavoidable times, like when a church member threw a church-wide (we were small) engagement party for my wife and I. I brought my parents.
I didn’t know the majority of the people’s names and then, while standing in a circle of about 30 people, someone suggested I go around the circle introducing each person to my parents! Suffice it to say, I gave up after not knowing the first 3 people…..the third being the host of the party…..ouch!
jackswords says:
June 5th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
“Nice to see you.”
I’ve heard that before. Thanks for reminding me.
As far as introducing everyone to you parents, I have no idea what else you could have done. Your parents should have saved you saying something like, “Oh, I’d rather meet everyone more casually.”
Which reminds me, you should save people as often as you can. Say you’re own name. Re-introduce people just in case they’ve forgotten other people’s names.
abby says:
June 6th, 2006 at 8:37 am
Tim and I keep going to gatherings sporatically. We’ve met some very nice people but often don’t go back and see them for a few weeks or more and there’s no way I’ll remember a person’s name a week later that I just met once. I have a little red random book in my purse and I write down names after the event or service with a little description. Then when I have to go back to a certain bible study or prenatal class I can look it up before hand and I’m on top of things.
jackswords says:
June 7th, 2006 at 10:27 am
That’s so organized and potentially helpful. It’s the first part I would have a problem with.
Tomas says:
August 6th, 2006 at 7:39 pm
In addition to your “fess up” tip… I heard saying that you’re not really good with names and asking for it again is another “decent” way of going at it.