Even asking for a person’s email address often results in learning her name. Many people have their names as part of their email address. You can ask them to enter their phone number in your phone. They’ll likely enter both first and last names, along with her number.
When you introduce your friend to the person whose name you’ve forgotten, there’s a good chance that the person will then introduce herself to the new person. Once you’ve heard the person’s name, repeat it so that you’ll be more likely to remember it. You might easily work this into conversation by saying, “I’m sorry, (name), I’m sorry I forgot to introduce you. "
If you ask what her name is, and don’t want to admit that you’ve forgotten her name, you can say you meant to ask what her last name was. [3] X Research source The reason this works is because the person will rarely expect you to remember her last name, and she’ll usually reply by saying her first name. Ask whether she goes by her first or her middle name. People will often respond to this question by sharing both names, and even offering more information. For example, she might respond by saying, “I was always Emily Jane to my grandmother, and when I was a kid, everyone called me Emily. But when I came to college, I decided to use the name Jane. "
Asking them how their name is spelled is one way to do this, particularly if you recall that it might be an unusual name. Of course, if the name is Smith or Jones, you might have to be prepared with a diversion! You can also ask the meaning of the name, or about the geographical origins of the name. People are generally happy to talk about themselves in this way, and you’ll have more details to help you remember their name should you forget again!
Ask a friend. If you’re attending a social gathering, chances are that someone else in the room knows the person’s name. Discreetly ask a friend what the person’s name is. If you don’t get a chance to ask your friend during the social gathering, ask them later. If you’re in a bar, restaurant or other public setting, and person seems to know the location well, people who work there may know the person’s name. Ask them to help you. You can explain your situation by honestly confessing that you’ve forgotten the person’s name. Usually, people approached in such a manner are eager to help. Eavesdrop on their conversations with others. The person may introduce himself to other people over the course of your time together. Keep alert for any printed material that might have the person’s name on it. If you’re attending a seated dinner, for instance, you will have place cards. If you’re at a trade gathering, the person may have printed materials that he’s sharing with others.
Once you’ve entered in all the information you can think of about the person into a search engine, search by “image” to narrow down your results. After all, you know what the person looks like - particularly if you’re still with him! Social media sites will use your shared information to find the person quickly, particularly if you have many shared friends. Facebook’s “People Search” can often help, if you remember any part of his name. Search for him online by their phone number. Many sites, such as White Pages, 411, or AnyWho, will provide a person’s profile through their phone number. Entering the person’s phone number into an online search engine, such as Google, Bing or Yahoo, will result in lots of results. These are filtered by relevancy, so you’ll only have to check out the most likely options, listed at the top.
Use verbal work-arounds to avoid saying the person’s name. Use the phrase, “my friend” or “my colleague” if you have to refer to the person. In certain cultural settings, generic endearments may be appropriate. For example, some people choose to use the terms, “sweetie,” “darling,” or “pal. “[5] X Research source Be very careful before employing these, though, as they are culturally specific. If these terms aren’t commonly used within a particular culture, they might be misunderstood.
Use a casual tone of voice when you ask what her name is. For example, you might say, “Hang on, I’ve already forgotten your name. Would you mind saying it again?” or “I’m totally blanking on your name for some reason. " The other person will likely appreciate your honesty. You might add, “I’m not good at remembering names,” so that the person will not assume that knowing her name isn’t important to you. If this is a potential business contact, however, don’t add this, as it will perhaps seem like a potential liability. Blame your forgetfulness on your age. Most people experience worsening memories, particularly for names, as they age. [7] X Research source
