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Remembering names

Discussion in 'Polls Forum' started by Salty, Aug 16, 2009.

  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    It was brought up in another thread about greeting visitors at church. One person said the most important thing to do is no to forget their name.

    What tricks do you use to remember the name of a new person.


    I tent to use word association.
    For example, we just had a new neighbor move in, actually, I forgot his first name already, but his last name is Pierce - as in Hawkeye Pierce (the Dr on M.A.S.H.). That is my system. Any other ideals?
     
  2. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    I think the secret is to repeat their name the moment you learn it........I also used to write it down on a paper before I went out to preach.

    People are always alert when their name is used in greeting. I also follow the English formality rules. Never use a person's first name until they give you permission......hence, it is always Mr. or Mrs..Miss or even master. They just write me off as being English.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  3. LeBuick

    LeBuick New Member

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    I tell them up front I am lousy with names so forgive me if I can't recall it now and then. I also write names down on a tablet I keep on the rostrum which lets me call their names out to the Church.
     
  4. Carolina Baptist

    Carolina Baptist Active Member

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    I seldom call people by name because I will often get them wrong. It would be great to call each one by name but I have been known to shake hands with Joel and call him James. We all laughed about it but I wonder if it hurt his feelings. :-(
    I know it embrassed me.
     
    #4 Carolina Baptist, Aug 16, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 16, 2009
  5. PJ

    PJ Active Member
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    I don't have the greatest memory; neither do I have advice on how to remember names. But I don't think folk's feelings are hurt by calling them the wrong name on occasion. I'm guessing we all do this sometimes.

    Some days I'm doing good to remember my own name! :laugh:
     
  6. FriendofSpurgeon

    FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known Member
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    It is a big deal to remember names. As much as you can, always always always try to remember them. Forgetting someone's name is tantamount to forgetting them. It’s interesting that Scripture states that He doesn’t just know us, but “He knows our names.”

    Remembering names takes work, but can be done. Here are some helpful hints that I use & they really do help.

    Pay attention. Number one – you actually have to pay attention. Quit looking around. Quite thinking about what you need to do later on in the day. Not only will this help, this shows respect to the other person.
    Listen. Look them in the eyes. Make sure that you understood the name correctly.
    Repeat. Say their name again. For example, instead of “Nice to meet you” make it “Nice to meet you Kathy.”
    Make it personal. Say something that will help you remember his/her name. “You know my sister’s name is Kathy too.” or “Do you spell yours with a “C” or “K”? This shows interest in the other person.
    Say their name in a sentence. If possible, turn the greeting into a short conversation where you use the person’s name. “So Kathy, how long have you lived in our town?” Again, showing interest shows respect.
    Repeat their name in closing. “Nice to meet you Kathy.”

    Using these six steps will have you remembering other’s names much better than before.

    Prior to meetings, I usually write down the names of those I will be meeting with. If I’ve ever met their spouses and/or children, I will verify their names before hand (as well as family issues -- is a child in college, etc). Nothing like a little homework. Again, it's showing respect and showing interest. In meetings, when I am meeting people for the 1st time, I almost always use jot their names down & use them as notes. Then I practice the six steps above. At the end of the meeting, I've got their names down pat.

    Also, if you happen to forget someone’s name, own up to it. Apologize and let them know that you simply forgot their name. It’s so much better than trying to slide by using a general term like “hey buddy.” People know when you know their name or not. Just be honest – people understand & appreciate this. Just remember their name the next time.

    PS -- What name did I use in the example? Easy -- Kathy. I used it four times.
     
  7. FlyForFun

    FlyForFun New Member

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    Excellent post -- thanks!!

    :thumbs:
     
  8. PJ

    PJ Active Member
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    No prob in the short run ~ simple and do-able. Just has nothing to do with the long run. Either you're a forget person, or not. You're a neat person, or not. You're a prompt person, or not. You're a quiet person, or not. And so on ...
     
  9. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    If in doubt you can follow the Cockney way. Everyman is either Jack, John or Mate....Oops! We mess up on the woman's side,,some don't like to be called a cow!

    Cheers,

    Jim:laugh:
     
  10. FriendofSpurgeon

    FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known Member
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    PJ, I agree that it is easier for some than others. But it can be done -- just takes one more work for one than the other. Either way though - for most of us anyway -- it takes work.

    BTW, both of our teens have to clean their rooms --easier for one than the other, but both have to do it even though one is not the neat one.
     
  11. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    PJ, I am not prompt, not neat, not quiet and I forget names very easy.

    Therefore, I must work at those deficiencies, it is hard, but I need to consecrate and give myself enough time to do things properly.

    Mrs Salty reminds me when I talk too much.

    When in doubt read Philippians 4:13



    Salty

    ps, I would advise you to NEVER ask me to work on your car - I have virtually a zero IQ when it comes to vehicle maintenance. But once on the Thruway (I-90) the cable to my gas accelerator broke. I had no ideal how to fix it, but believe it or not, I made a temporary repair until I got back to the Salt City.
    Hmm - was that my punishment for going to a Southern Gospel Concert? :laugh:
     
  12. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    I am HORRIBLE about remembering names until I do something memorable with people. But I remember your name, it is usually ingrained. I just apologize.
     
  13. PJ

    PJ Active Member
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    Same here ...

    Our pastor is so funny. Charlotte, one of our church members, has been with us since 1986 and pastor still sometimes calls her Scarlett. LOL! People are gracious; they love us despite ourselves. :laugh:
     
  14. BigBossman

    BigBossman Active Member

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    With me its one extreme or the other. Sometimes, I'll remember the person's face & forget their name or I'll remember their name & forget what they look like.
     
  15. PJ

    PJ Active Member
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    Me too, BigBossman. I figure I'm in the game if I can remember one or the other. :thumbs:
     
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