Our memory plays a major role in registering, storing, and retrieving information. Often, what leads us to forgetting, is the lack of repetition. Recall moments where we met someone in one event but forgot their name in the next meeting. What could be the reason? A few of the reasons that make it difficult for us to remember their names or faces are distractions while introducing each other, external disturbance, or our lack of calling out their names.
It is said that repetition enhances recall. The more we repeat something the better we can remember it. If we take an example of your cadetship, the excitement, zeal, and willingness to explore and learn more stores unforgettable memories that could be pleasant and challenging. The people we meet and the places we travelled to during this period may be deeply embedded in our memories. The reasons are the novelty of it and our curiosity about meeting new people.
Therefore, we can explore a few ways to remember names and faces in a new environment:
- Use their name frequently
Use their name frequently and make clear eye contact. By calling out to them using their names frequently, you are using repetition to store the information well in your memory. On another note, having good eye contact builds up confidence when you talk to someone, which increases attentiveness. - Make associations
Associations can help you to remember better too. When you associate their name and face with something you already know, it will help you remember the person better. The association can be based on cultural terms, states they belong to, the event at which you met them or if they look like someone you know. - Use visual cues
You can also focus on some features of that person’s face. For example, a beauty spot that stands out, their beard and moustache style or maybe their eyes which would help you recollect them better. - Be present
Your focus is essential when you have a conversation with someone for the first time, be attentive to what they say rather than have another conversation in your head or be distracted by other thoughts. - Greetings
In the next meeting, modify your greeting and response e.g., when you greet them good morning or say nice to meet you, try to end the statement with the person’s name. - Familiarize
Familiarize yourself with the person so that you feel more comfortable. This would reduce your tendency to feel anxious or confused, which in turn helps you remember their name and face better. - Motivation
Finally, understand what motivates you to remember their name and face. Ask yourself how important they are to you in your present and future. If they are important, make the necessary effort.
The memory is a tricky thing to work out, but it will definitely be helpful to learn how to unpack it so that you can effectively utilize it.
