This happens to me a lot. Someone will introduce themself. Then right after I forget their name!! So here are the smoothest ways to handle that awkward moment when you forget someone’s name from Lifehacker.
- When possible, just ‘fess up. Honesty is usually the best route, so just confess by saying something like, “I’m sorry, I’m not great with names. What’s yours?”
- Use your phone. When honesty is not possible, like a job interview or a person you’ve met multiple times, hand the person your phone and ask them to fill in their contact details. If necessary, preface the move with a request to meet for coffee.
- Ask for their email address. This may be more appropriate than the phone trick if you’re in a professional setting. Hopefully they have their name in the address.
- Ask them to text you. If you previously had the person’s contact info, claim you lost your phone and contacts.
- Introduce them to your friend. If you’re in a social setting, introduce them to someone you do know and listen closely–if they’re courteous they’ll introduce themselves right back to your friend.
- Ask them to add you on Facebook or LinkedIn. This is a variation of the phone trick, but can work. If they are already a Facebook friend, hopefully they’ll point that out and you can see their name.
Do you have any tips that you use to remember someone’s name?
