Tip of the week: How to remember names
Favorite tip: Create visuals
Listen—and speak. When someone is telling you his or her name, “really listen.” Find a way to work the name into the conversation. Ask questions about the spelling or even make a remark about the name. The more attention you place on the name, the more likely it is to stick in your memory.
Take notes. If you get someone’s business card, write down some facts about the person. Details such as physical traits, their hometown, or the name of a mutual friend can provide a “reminder.”
Create visuals. For unusual names that are hard to remember, try associating images that are related to the name. For example, for the name “Otterman,” think of the animal. “Silly images” work best. Picture the image, then choose a prominent feature on the person’s face like bushy eyebrows or large teeth.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Scottish hospitality shines at these 7 hotels
The Week Recommends Sleep well at these lovely inns across Scotland
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Scientists invent a solid carbon-negative building material
Under the radar Building CO2 into the buildings
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: April 1, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published