The most commonly asked question during our Memory Training Workshop is, “How can I remember a person’s name?” Many time people experience meeting someone and then promptly not being to recall the person’s name. The answer is simple and it is only 2 steps.

First, stop, clear you mind and LISTEN to what they say their name is.

Second, repeat the name back 2 to 3 times.

Okay, simple enough but not necessarily easy. Upon hearing that advice, many people follow up with the question, “How would I clear my mind?” To answer that, I have put together a list of the top 10 ways to clear your mind when you are meeting someone to ensure you HEAR the name. Both fun and practical, feel free to use some of these suggestions or post your own at the end of this article.

Before we get to the list, I wanted to point out that not all of these suggestions will apply to every single situation. You will just have to figure out which one will apply to the situation you find yourself in the most.

Number 10 – Do not allow distraction (or at least cut them down as much as you can)
Turn off your cell phone. Don’t worry about who is coming and going from the room or what else is going on around you at the moment. Focus on the person you are meeting, by directly looking at them, so you can hear the name and repeat it back to them.

Number 9 – Get a massage
That is right. Now I know that really does not apply to the moment when you are out networking and meeting people. But sometimes life gets pretty stressful and our brains lose focus, so getting a massage helps your body de-stress which helps your mind to relax so that you can stop and clear it.

Number 8 – Keep a journal
Getting your thoughts out on paper is a great way to clear your mind. You cannot necessarily do this with people in front of you, but if you get in to the habit of journaling every night, you will find that overtime, your mind is clearer and you are able to listen more attentively.

Number 7 – Exercise
Exercise is another great way just to work of some off steam and help your body relax.

Number 6 – Remind yourself why you are meeting this person
If we reconnect to the ‘why’ behind our meeting, it gives reason to listen to the name.

Number 5 - Close your eyes and rest for a few seconds
Let’s say you are at the office and someone is here to meet you at the front desk.  Take a few seconds in your office, close your eyes, take a few deep breathe before you go out to meet them.

Number 4 - Practice yoga
When you are in a yoga practice, you spend the entire time clearing your mind so you are better able to focus. It is a great way to exercise as well.

Number 3 – Pray or meditate on a daily basis
Prayer meditation is another activity that is focused on quieting the mind. It helps you clear your thoughts so that you can just focus and listen better.

Number 2 - Laugh
Laughter is a great way to invigorate yourself and get some energy.  It releases the tension in your body and floods the brain with endorphins which helps to put you in a better mood and helps to clear your mind.

Number 1 - Breathe
In the fast-pace world of today, we do not breathe deeply enough.  When you sit and take a few deep breathe, you will find yourself quieting down, your mind becomes clearer and you are able to listen to the person’s name better.

Be Free!

Jeffrey Czajka
Instructor

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