Tips for Remembering Names and Faces

The most common age-related memory complaint is difficulty recalling names and faces. Fortunately, some methods can help reduce or eliminate such complaints.

When you meet someone new, FOCUS on creating a mental image for their face and name, then FRAME them by linking those images together in a unique, eccentric, or other easy-to-remember way.

It’s helpful to identify a facial feature that stands out and is simple to remember. It could be a warm smile, a large nose, or an unusual hairdo. It could also be a personality trait or other physical attribute that impresses you. Usually your very first impression will stick in your mind the best.

To come up with an image for the person’s name, keep in mind that all names can be sorted into two categories: those that evoke an obvious visual image, and those that don’t. Last names such as Woods, House, Taylor, Hill, Brown, and Hall readily bring an image to mind. Visualize Mr. House opening the door to his house. Imagine Mrs. Woods is lost in the woods. Ms. Hall is walking down a long hall.

If a name does not evoke an obvious image, then you need to be more creative and find a visual image that sounds like the name or perhaps even break down the syllables of the name to create two or more visual components. For instance, to remember the name of Today Show weatherman Al Roker, you might visualize him sitting on an alligator playing poker. You could remember Jimmy Fallon by imagining him at the gym, falling over a barbell.

Linking a new acquaintance to someone familiar or famous is another good way to frame a name and face. Maybe you meet a Paul who has piercing blue eyes. You might think of Paul Newman to remind you of his name.

You can combine several strategies or just stick to one or two. The words and images don’t have to be perfect. Sometimes just the mental process of conjuring images and connecting them is all you need to remember a name for good.