Why Do We Forget Names?

Have you ever met someone at a party, heard their name, and forgotten it ten seconds later? If so, you're not alone. Psychologists say that names are one of the hardest things for our brains to remember, and there are some good reasons for that. First, a name doesn't tell you anything about the person. If someone says they are a baker, you can picture bread, ovens and flour. But "Sarah" or "David" is just a sound. Our memory works best when new information connects to something we already know, and a name usually doesn't connect to anything. Second, we are often not really listening. When we meet a new person, we are thinking about what to say, how we look, and whether they like us. The name arrives at the worst possible moment. The good news is that you can improve. People who remember names well use a few simple tricks. They repeat the name immediately: "Nice to meet you, Sarah." They use it again during the conversation. They also try to link the name with something visual — a famous person with the same name, or a word that sounds similar. One study found that people who used these techniques remembered twice as many names a week later. So next time you meet someone new, stop thinking about yourself for a moment and really listen. If you do, you will probably surprise yourself.