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By: Dale Klein, M.A.
Corporate Communications & Speech Specialist
www.profitablespeech.com
If you’re like most of us, you’re often meeting new people, being introduced or
introducing someone to another person. In fact, it frequently seems like we’re
bombarded with an endless stream of names and faces, doesn’t it? You may feel
embarrassed when you can’t recall someone’s name or perhaps find yourself saying
“Oh, I’m so bad at names!” as a way of excusing yourself. So let’s clear up one
point right now—there’s definitely nothing wrong with you and what you’re
experiencing is quite normal.
But—let’s face it, even if this is normal, it’s not ideal and it’s certainly an asset to
remember names; in this blog post you’ll learn 10 essential techniques to improve
this important skill.
Let’s begin with exploring why remembering names is a skill worth learning. Think
about how you feel when someone recalls your name. We typically feel respected
and valued; most of us like the sound of our own name. I’ve found this is a
particularly important skill in the business world; haven’t you? While it seems like it
should be pretty easy to remember a person’s name, when it comes down to doing
it, something gets in the way.
That leads me to my first technique:
1. Sincerity matters: Have a sincere interest in the activity at hand and keep
your attention focused on genuinely wanting to meet people. Too often we’re
distracted by thinking about what we’re going to say or meeting others. Tune in to
the person right in front of you and act like the interaction matters to you.
2. Accuracy in hearing: When you’re introduced, be sure you actually hear the
person’s name. Occasionally people mumble, speak softly or speak rapidly and we
simply don’t hear them, yet we pretend that we do. All you have to do is ask the
person to repeat himself and that will make a big difference.
3. Proper pronunciation: Okay, so now you did in fact hear the person’s name
but it’s a challenging one because maybe it’s an unusual name, it’s a foreign name,
or simply one you’ve never heard before. This can be a bit intimidating so you want
to say it out loud and ask if you’re pronouncing it correctly. Even if you’re not, the
other person sees it as a sign of respect and that you really care. Most people are
happy to repeat it for you so be sure you’re paying attention.
4. Put it into use: So by now you’ve heard the person’s name and are pretty
good at pronouncing it correctly but you still have to remember it, right? A great
approach is to use the person’s name 2-3 times in the conversation. This helps to
reinforce it for you. You don’t want to go overboard here but while speaking to Joe,
you may say “I agree with you, Joe” or “How did you determine that, Joe?” Then you
can end the conversation by saying “It was good speaking with you, Joe; let’s stay in
touch.”
5. Alphabet Peg: Another technique is to draw an association between the first
initial of a person’s name and another word beginning with that same letter. Let’s
say the person’s name is Sam, you could think Sam Snake, or Barbara could be
Barbara Bear. You get the idea.
6. Visualize the name: As you hear and then say a person’s name, try to see
the name written across his forehead in your favorite color.
7. Clarify spelling: Seek clarification like saying “Do you spell Carl with a /c/ or a
/k/?” If it’s an unusual name, ask how it’s spelled and what it means. After the
conversation ends, actually write the person’s name down along with something you
learned about him.
8. Famous look alike: Take a good look at this person. Does he remind you of
someone famous or maybe could be the father of that person? You’re forming an
association based on what you see.
9. It’s all relative: Does the person you just met whose name is Steve remind
you of your brother or Uncle Steve?
10. File it: Update your contact list with people you’ve met right after you meet
them and then review it consistently especially if you’re attending an event where
that person may be.
It’s Time for T.I.P.S.©
By: Dale G. Klein, M.A.,
Corporate Communication & Speech Specialist
www.profitablespeech.com
When requested to write an article about public speaking tips, I
experienced an epiphany, of sorts. Many people will do just about
anything to avoid public speaking. Or, you may have said “Who’s got
the time?” or “That’s not good use of my time.” Therein lies the
epiphany; it’s all about time!
**The best public speakers make the time to learn about their
audience so that what they’re saying is what the audience is interested
in hearing.
**The best public speakers know that timing is everything. They find
out exactly what their speaking time allotment is, and then practice
getting their timing right so they don’t run over or run short.
**The best public speakers appreciate the value of time out. They
leave a “cushion” of time before and after they speak, to reduce stage
fright.
**The best public speakers recognize the third time’s a charm. On
average you’ll want to practice your presentation aloud three times to
work on your opening and closing, your nonverbal language and your
intonation.
**The best public speakers are aware that time marches on. While the
initial 30-60 seconds of a presentation seem like hours due to an
elevated stress level, it quickly subsides as you proceed with your
purpose and remember that the audience is there because they need
what you have.
Finally, there’s no time like the present to work on your T.I.P.S., which
by the way represents Talking Is Public Speaking©. Every time you
speak, it’s a form of public speaking. If you want to develop your skills,
I urge you to only seek input from an experienced and credentialed
professional. Nothing less will do. Isn’t it about time?
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