AEE 277: 3 Strategies to Remember Someone's Name in English with Alan Headbloom

How can you remember other people’s names? Today, learn
three tactics to remember names in English, and why it’s
important to do so! A name is a person’s most basic possession and
part of their identity. It’s the sweetest sound to their
ears. For this reason, Alan Headbloom believes it’s important
to get a person’s name right, and to show an interest in
it. But it’s not always easy to do that, especially with names
you are unfamiliar with.   Here are Alan’s tips for
remembering new names: If a name is unfamiliar, ask them to
repeat it. This helps you learn their name and also shows
a respectful commitment to learning it. Simply say, “Your name
is a little difficult for me, but I’d really like to get it right.
Could you say it again?” Ask for their business card. This
works best in a business context, though students may also have
business cards. Reading the name might make it easier to
remember. Make up a pneumonic, or memory aid. Think of what
the unfamiliar name sounds like in your native language and use
that to help you remember. This is a way to bridge your
language and English.   Alan suggests you also learn common
names in the English-speaking world, and that you try asking others
if their names have any special meanings or significances.  
How do you deal with learning new names? Share your experiences in
the comments section below!   Alan Headbloom is an
intercultural trainer, a professional English teacher and a talk
show host. He frequently appears as a speaker on topics such as
cultural diversity and workplace inclusion. He lives in Michigan,
USA where he and his wife produce the show Feel Like You Belong, a
show about immigrants creating a new life in the United States.
Visit Alan’s Website: Feel Like You Belong and Alan Headbloom-
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