When you enter a meeting room and are greeted by a group of people you do not know, offer your business card and politely ask for their business cards. At the beginning of the meeting when introductions are made, arrange the business cards in a pattern based upon where the people are seated at the table. This will help you identify names with faces. When a person speaks look down at the card and read the name. This practice will reinforce your memory and ability to recall names.
If you are unable to collect business cards before the meeting begins, draw a diagram of the table on a sheet of paper and place a star where you are seated. As the attendees introduce themselves, write their name on the diagram where they are seated. If you miss a name, leave a blank space on the diagram and listen for someone to say the name during the meeting.
This exercise will help you remember names and will allow you to refer to people by name during the meeting. Remember, everyone likes to hear their name!
