We’ve all been there. You’re at an event and you run into someone you know… but you draw a blank on the person’s name. What do you do?

Today, we’re going to share a few of our favorite tips for avoiding the awkward moment that many of us know far too well. The best connectors remember your name, every time. At least, it makes you feel valued… right? Other people will always remember how you made them feel, and one of the best ways to make someone feel good is to simply remember their name! Oh, and use it:

“A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.“

It’s time for you to set the bar higher. Here’s some tips to start:

1)    I’ll begin with a personal example from my own life. If I forget someone’s name in the moment, one of my favorite tricks is to gamble on the chance that I might have saved their cell phone number in my phone. I’ll start the conversation by asking:

“Hey, I forget if we’ve exchanged numbers in the past. What’s your number again?“

After I type it into my phone, their name will pop up if I’ve saved their number before. If it does, problem solved! However, if nothing pops up and I haven’t saved their number before, I’ll usually extend my phone towards the person and ask if they would mind adding their info (including their email address). Even if it is a tiny bit awkward to start off a conversation like this, the person’s name almost always surfaces.

 2)    If you’re at a cocktail party and you run into someone whose name you forget, look to see if you have a friend nearby. Once you have selected your ‘intro target’, get their attention and motion for them to come over. Then, quickly pose the question:

“Hey, have you two met each other before?“

If they haven’t, try to use your body language to prompt them to give their own name. Naturally, they will introduce themselves to each other. Just like that, problem solved!

3)    If you blank on someone’s name and don’t feel comfortable trying either (1) or (2) above, stall the conversation and try not to let on that you’ve had a moment of forgetfulness. If appropriate, ask the person if they would fancy an exchange of business cards.

Or better yet, offer to hash ‘em up! Once you have their email address (or Twitter handle), you should be able to deduce the person’s name.

3.5)    Not working? Still drawing a blank? Look for a way to momentarily escape the conversation, promising your imminent return. Then, ask someone else (preferably, a friend nearby!) if they know the person’s name.

LAST RESORT:    If all else fails, ask the person directly. Be polite, don’t make a big deal of it, and don’t be embarrassed – it happens to everyone from time-to-time. For example:

“I’m terribly sorry but I’ve completely forgotten your name.“

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What do you think? What are some of your best tops for remembering names? Drop us a comment below!