Three Memory Recall Techniques That Will Improve Your Communications

Everyone wants to make a good first impression. But, here’s the problem. Often, we are so focused on how we are coming across that we fail to give the person we are communicating with our full attention. This can lead to some embarrassing moments. Top of the list? Forgetting their name. 

The fact that this is a common faux pau makes it no less damaging. Simply asking “excuse me, what was your name again?” can be enough to tank that first impression. But, if you’re able to buck the trend and remember their name the first time, that’s going to go a long way. 

When you’re able to remember key things about someone, they are going to feel heard and important. So, if you want to create strong relationships and build on your networking skills, improving your memory is a must. 

Here are three memory recall techniques that you can start using right now to improve your communications: 

1. Repetition is key

In order to remember something, you first have to encode the information in the brain. That way, you can retrieve it again when needed. That's why one of the most effective memory techniques is repetition. 

Luckily, repetition is something that is easily incorporated into your communications. For example, when you’re introduced to somebody new, take the opportunity to say their name aloud. “Bruce… It’s great to meet you, Bruce.” Speaking their name aloud is going to help encode that information into your brain. 

This technique is just as effective for remembering other important facts, such as the company that they work for or their job role. Repeating these things out loud has the additional benefit of making the conversation seem more about the other person, which, is always a good way to keep them engaged. 

1. Sounds like an object

Forgetting somebody's name is a common experience and there’s a simple reason for that. It’s because the mind finds it difficult to recall things when they’re not solid objects that can be clearly pictured. So, this second memory technique turns that on its head. 

To recall a person’s name, first, make a picture in your mind of what their name sounds like. For example, Paul sounds like ball. So, when you meet Paul, picture a football in your head. Because it is much easier for your brain to remember that physical object, associating the two will make the name “Paul” easier to recall. 

It’s not just Paul and a football that this works for. Any abstract word, name or title can be made easier to remember by associating it with an object. Use this in your everyday communications and you’ll find yourself forgetting less and impressing more.

1. Make it ridiculous!

There’s a reason why the outlandish grabs our attention. The more ridiculous something is, the quicker we are to remember it. So, use that to your advantage! This technique takes object association up a notch. Maybe you’ve tried the other two techniques and you’re still having difficulty remembering- this is the one for you. 

The idea is to take the thing you are trying to remember and turn it into a ridiculous scene. Let’s take the example of the name Bruce again. Maybe you’ve met Bruce at a conference and it’s vital that you make a good impression. The name “Bruce” sounds like “Moose”, but don’t leave it there. Imagine the object, in this case, a moose, interacting with the person or science in some ridiculous way. You could picture Bruce sitting atop his Moose, stomping around the conference room. 

A scene like that is sure to be memorable. The secret is, the more ridiculous you go, the easier it will be to recall. Remember, you’re not sharing this with anyone else, so make it as ridiculous as you like. 

By using these three memory recall techniques, you’ll be able to make a good first impression, every time. Being able to recall basic- and very important- information about new acquaintances, i.e. their names, is going to make communication so much easier. It lays the perfect foundation for building strong and valuable relationships. 

Want to find more ways of improving your communication? Become a member of The Speakers Club Online- the new community for people who want to practise and improve their speaking skills in a safe, friendly environment. 

You can join the waiting list now and take advantage of our Special Discounted Rate for Founder Members, when we launch in a few weeks:

https://landing-pages.uk/speakers-club-online/