9 keys to remember people's names

Two strangers meet at a networking function. One person speaks up first. "Hi, I'm Laura Mulford," she says, offering her hand to her new acquaintance."Susan Black-Smith," she responds with a handshake. "Nice to meet you." The whole exchange takes less than four seconds. However, ten minutes later neither person can remember the other’s name.Ah, names. Some people have a gift for remembering them. But for far too many of us, they go in one ear and right out the other. Unfortunately, referring to everyone as "hey" or "you" can be suicide when it comes to networking."In networking, names and using someone’s name is the key. It will be mighty difficult for you to initiate a relationship with someone if you don't know that person's name.

If remembering others' names is downright impossible for you, try out these tips:

1. Repeat the first name or confirm the last name.

Simply saying, "It's nice to meet you, Chuck" or "and your last name was...?" will help you register the name and give it a better chance to implant itself into your memory.

2. Ask a question or make a comment about the person's name.

"Nice to meet you, Julia. My college roommate's name was Julia, so I'll have no problem remembering you."

3. Ask the person to spell his or her name.

"Abby, do you spell your name with a 'y' or with an 'ie'?"

4. Associate the name with a picture in your mind.

If you meet a CEO named Arthur, visualize him as King Arthur with the Knights of the Round Table. Some people like this technique; others say it confuses them, so only use it if it's helpful.

5. Ask how the person got his name.

"Savannah, were you named after the city?"

6. Tell the person what you have heard about him.

"I heard you organized this whole event, Peter."

7. Keep your energy level high.

Let your body language and tone of voice signal that you are honestly trying to learn the other person's name and teach her yours.

8. Always say the person's name again as you leave her.

"It was good to meet you, Jen."

9. Handle forgotten names with grace.

Whining about how bad you are with names is not graceful. Instead, ask a friend to remind you, or if you can recall where you met that person, say , "I remember meeting you at the conference in Seattle. I'm Sarah Ansari. Will you tell me your name again?" The person may have forgotten your name, too, and will be grateful for your re-introduction.