Sharp Brain

How to remember names

A simple 5-step strategy you can use every time you meet someone new.

Notice

Pick one feature about the person's face or appearance that stands out.

Repeat

Say their name once in your mind as you look at them.

Picture

Turn the name into a vivid image — a sound-alike word or strong visual.

Link

Connect that image to the face feature you noticed. Make it funny or unusual — the more vivid, the better.

Recall

After a short delay, try to retrieve the name by picturing your image again.