Memory 1.0 Class 19 Bridge Sample

• Present the science behind the class.
• Allow for brief discussion of the science with your students.

So, who in this room is guilty of name-dropping? And by that I don’t mean slipping in the names of famous people you happen to know in conversation. I mean forgetting names.

In some ways it’s surprising that remembering the names of other people can be such a challenge. In general, we learn names the same way that we learn other information. If we pay attention when we first hear the name and then practice or rehearse it, it’s likely to stick with us.

So why do so many of us find remembering names to be such a particular challenge? There are actually a few reasons why this is such a common memory complaint!

• We’re Distracted. We often hear a name when it might be particularly challenging to focus our attention effectively, such as in a meeting or at a noisy party.

• Our Lifestyle Takes Issue. Names, like anything else we need to retain, can be harder to learn when we are sleep deprived, have trouble hearing, or anxious.

• We Only Get One Chance. Usually we hear someone’s name just once. And quickly! Think about how long it takes to say your name. Not even a full second, right? It’s easy to miss a name that first time, and once we miss it, we’ve missed our chance to learn it. As Total Brain Health Founder Dr. Green often jokes, “it’s a getting problem, not a forgetting problem.”

• We Don’t Strategize. Remembering names is hard. You can think of them almost like a “pop quiz” for your memory. You need to remember it when you might not expect to! Rarely do folks use memory strategies to help bolster their recall for names.

So how can we be more effective at remembering names? By applying that good old A.M. Principle, or adding Attention and Meaning to what we are trying to remember in the form of a memory strategy. As we’ve seen, these memory strategies have a powerful, lasting impact on our ability to retain information. All you need to do is figure out which one works best for you, and then make it a habit.

Today we are going to try 2 memory strategies that can boost our name recall: The Repetition and Practice strategies.

The Repetition Strategy. The Repetition Strategy is a rehearsal approach that uses repeating the information to focus attention and build retention. It’s easy and straightforward to use, which makes it one of the most accessible name recall strategies. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the “every person strategy.” Many people like this strategy because you can apply it while you continue to carry on the conversation, so it has a lower “distraction” potential. 

To use the Repetition Strategy, simply get into the habit of repeating the person’s name. You can weave it into the conversation (not too often as you don’t want to seem strange!) or repeating it to yourself silently over that time. If you’re on the phone with someone whose name you’ve just heard, jot it down. You can repeat it to yourself in your head during the call.

The Practice Strategy. The Practice Strategy is also a rehearsal method. However, this strategy provides a structured approach, asking you to repeat the name at 4 specific points in the conversation: 

1. Spell the name. Spell it to yourself or out loud. If you are unsure of the spelling, or it is an unusual name, you can ask the person how their name is spelt as a way of weaving this step into the conversation.

2. Make a comment about the name. Compliment a pretty name, remark about an interesting name, or make a reference to someone else you know with that same name (for example, if you meet Rosemary, you might quip that Rosemary is your favorite herb).

3. Use the name at the beginning of the conversation. Include the name at least once at the start of your discussion or chat.

4. Use the name at the end of the conversation. Be sure to circle back to the person’s name as you wrap up your time together as one last chance to rehearse the new information.

The Practice Strategy steps force you to pay closer attention to the name and also allow you to rehearse it naturally throughout the conversation.

Click here to view the TBH Learn the Science video for this class.

Password: TBHSCIENCE

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