I'm grateful for this technique, and I need it. It's so odd to have to say to someone "I remember all the work we did together; um, just not your name . . . " Now I just have to remember to start the conversation with "I'm Judy . . , " But what if someone hails me by name? What do I do then?
Janet, you are of course preaching to the converted. I have been reading a book on memory and given the lamentable state of my own, I recall only about a hundredth of what I read. My favourite part so far is when the author explains that the part of our brain which is linked to retrieval is of course much fuller as the years progress, hence we have so much more to browse through. Immensely reassuring.
At my 50th High School Reunion, the first night nobody wore nametags. Some of them had changed so much that I didn't recognize them. I then said my name and asked theirs. I couldn't help myself when I exclaimed, "Oh, really?"
I worked with so many people over the years and (still) never been good with names. I know faces, occupations, and typically where I know the person is from, but when I couldn't (or can't) remember the name I use(d) code names in my head. It's a problem. The other day I was in a situation where I needed to introduce my husband to someone I worked with for a couple years... in my head he was "Book man" - he always carried books. He brought books in for me almost every week for two years. It was exactly how I introduced him - as "Book Man." He got a kick out of it and reintroduced himself after my husband realized I had no idea what his name was and quickly introduced himself first.
Great idea, thanks for suggesting it. I'm getting ready to tackle a new arena and remembering names is in the top of responsibilities.
A great idea. How simple and helpful.
I'm grateful for this technique, and I need it. It's so odd to have to say to someone "I remember all the work we did together; um, just not your name . . . " Now I just have to remember to start the conversation with "I'm Judy . . , " But what if someone hails me by name? What do I do then?
Janet, you are of course preaching to the converted. I have been reading a book on memory and given the lamentable state of my own, I recall only about a hundredth of what I read. My favourite part so far is when the author explains that the part of our brain which is linked to retrieval is of course much fuller as the years progress, hence we have so much more to browse through. Immensely reassuring.
Thanks for the tip.
At my 50th High School Reunion, the first night nobody wore nametags. Some of them had changed so much that I didn't recognize them. I then said my name and asked theirs. I couldn't help myself when I exclaimed, "Oh, really?"
I worked with so many people over the years and (still) never been good with names. I know faces, occupations, and typically where I know the person is from, but when I couldn't (or can't) remember the name I use(d) code names in my head. It's a problem. The other day I was in a situation where I needed to introduce my husband to someone I worked with for a couple years... in my head he was "Book man" - he always carried books. He brought books in for me almost every week for two years. It was exactly how I introduced him - as "Book Man." He got a kick out of it and reintroduced himself after my husband realized I had no idea what his name was and quickly introduced himself first.
Great idea, thanks for suggesting it. I'm getting ready to tackle a new arena and remembering names is in the top of responsibilities.
great idea. will do it! role model the change we want to see... it'll catch. especially as societies age.