Knowing that somebody took the time to remember our names is a simple way to make us feel important. Yet how many times do we go out of our way to remember other people’s names? Here’s a great exercise to use at, or very near, the start of a course, workshop or meeting where people don't know each other as it helps to learn names of each other. This exercise works best with groups from ten to twenty people.

Remembering someone’s name can help them to feel that even their personality was enough to make them memorable and worth recognizing. Names are an important gateway into learning more and more about someone. By remembering someone’s name, it will create a strong foundation for a more personal connection and better long-term relationship, as respect is established from the start.

Instructions

1. Have the group sit in a circle where they can all see each other.

2. Tell participants that they will participate in a light-hearted exercise that will help everyone remember each other's names.

3. Say to the person next to you, "I would like you to say your name to the group and then mine".

4. Example – "I am Mary and this is Lito".

5. Then the next person says "I am Allan and this is Mary and this is Lito".

6. Repeat until you get to the end of the group, "I am Xavier and this is Mark… and this is Allan and this Mary and this is Lito".

7. Before you get this far the people at the end of the line will be panicking, so reassure everyone that it is OK to help if anyone gets stuck.

8. You can expect lots of laughter which relieves tension about the exercise and the course as well.

9. Most people will have no difficulty as there is enough repetition for them to remember.

10. If someone does get stuck, that person may be having a hard time being present for some reason and might need your particular attention.

11. It's a great exercise and it's so easy.

Even though some try very hard, it can be challenging for some remember names, especially when we are constantly meeting new people in different circles of our lives.

Remembering names is important for many reasons. The first is that it creates a better relationship; the other person you’re conversing with will feel exceedingly more comfortable around you if you can remember their name. This simple thing allows them to feel that they have more of a connection to you.

Remembering names is also important because people will feel they are important to you if their name is remembered; it makes people feel valued and encourages them to be more comfortable working or speaking with you. Remembering names helps creates a comfort level and a more familiar relationship when meeting with people for the first few times.