Academic Medicine Open Forum

"People see themselves as better than average in many domains, from leadership skills to driving ability. However, many people-especially older adults-struggle to remember others' names, and many of us are aware of this struggle." Turns out, science says we may not be as bad at remembering names as we think we are.

If you are meeting someone for the first time-say at a conference (#AAMC23)-here are 3 tips to help you remember their name:

1. Focus on active listening. Train your brain to listen when a person is introducing themselves, rather than focusing on what you will say next.

2. Repeat the name aloud right away. "Nice to meet you, Steve."

3. In a conference setting, use nametags or business cards-visual cues-to help you commit a name to memory.

Good tips, Pamela! I find that I used to be much better at remembering names and it takes a bit more effort to remember them now. I sometimes try to associate something about them with their name but that doesn't always work if the thing I associated with them changes (e.g., where they work, etc.)! I used to find it a little awkward when I would be at a conference and a person seemed to know my name (probably due to my name tag?) but their name tag is flipped around so I would need to ask them to turn it so I can read it. It's one of those, 'I must be the only person who can't remember names' syndromes and the reality is it affects many of us! 

"People see themselves as better than average in many domains, from leadership skills to driving ability. However, many people-especially older adults-struggle to remember others' names, and many of us are aware of this struggle." Turns out, science says we may not be as bad at remembering names as we think we are.

If you are meeting someone for the first time-say at a conference (#AAMC23)-here are 3 tips to help you remember their name:

1. Focus on active listening. Train your brain to listen when a person is introducing themselves, rather than focusing on what you will say next.

2. Repeat the name aloud right away. "Nice to meet you, Steve."

3. In a conference setting, use nametags or business cards-visual cues-to help you commit a name to memory.