We all go to parties where we are meeting new people and would like to remember their names. This becomes harder and harder as you age. Some just say, "I've never been good at remembering names," but this doesn't have to be the way it is.
First, as soon as you meet a new person, respond with "Nice to meet you, Kathy." Use it again during the conversation. This locks it into short-term memory.
Next, pick out one thing about them that stands out and link it to their name. For example, Mary is very short, or John has red hair.
During conversation, ask a question using their name. For example, "Where were you born, Henry?" The more you use a person's name, the more likely lock this into your memory.
As soon as you can after meeting someone new, jot down their name on paper, where you met them and something about them. This works really well. I've been doing it for years. Except for close friends and family, I list everyone in my contact list by what they do or how I know them. For example, John is listed under Handymen, then his name and who introduced us. Under Pickleball, I have the names of many pickleball players and how I met them.
As you age, you may meet someone one day, then not see them for weeks. They will be so impressed if you remember their name. They say that it takes using a new word in context 25 times or more to make it part of your vocabulary. I don't know if you have to use a person's name that many times to remember it, but repetition certainly helps, and connecting them with an activity or a person helps too.
You would laugh if you saw my contact list. I have categories like housekeepers, doctors, bridge players, golf players, caterers, gardeners, plumbers, computer specialists, etc. The doctor list is especially long, and I always include who referred me to them. Hope these tips help you remember the many new people you meet.
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