Return to article: How to Remember Names at Your Class Reunion
on 2/11/2007 The best way to remember names is the method that memory performers use. The trick is to associate a memorable feature of the person's face (big nose, high forehead, dimples, etc.) with the meaning of the name. For example, this article mentions remembering classmate Patty Devry's name by simply recalling that she has bright green eyes. This probably will not be enough for you to remember her name, however. When seeing her in person, you'll certainly notice the eyes, but even if her eyes are striking, seeing them doesn't really provide you with an effective link to her name. The way a memory performer would do this would be to look at a photo of Patty in the yearbook and clearly imagine millions of green french fries and hamburger patties pouring out of Patty Devry's eyes. Then when seeing Patty (and her striking eyes) at the reunion, the vivid and memorable image of green fries and patties flying would come to mind and provide a very effective "cue" for recalling her name. In other words, the green hamburger patties in your mental image would give you the first name "Patty", while the green fries would be enough to remind you of the last name, "Devry". Harry Lorayne, for instance, has used this method in performances for years to very quickly memorize the names of dozens of audience members he has never seen before. Anyone can do it, though, with practice.
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