(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to Esmeralda C. Of Toril about her concerns on her difficulty in remembering names and faces.)
rDEAR Esmeralda C. Of Toril,
Now, let’s move on to the continuation of the list of practical tips that will help you minimize your problem.
5. Look at the person when you hear his or her name.
If you do this, you will be connecting the name and the face together in your mind at the same time. Try to inject it on your mind, if possible. So the next time you forget one’s name, try recalling the face because you might be able to remember it. Or if there are some distinguishing marks on the face, try to associate that with the name either. For instance, if the person has a mole on the face, try to associate her or him with that mark that distinguishes him or her from the rest.
6. Connect this new person to an individual you know who bears the same name.
Let us take the example of the person with a mole in the face whom we have mentioned in the preceding tip. Usually, we can relate the mole in the face to the famous Nora Aunor or someone you know who have the same facial feature. Now, if the new person is also named Nora, it will be easier for you to remember that person using Nora Aunor as your reference. You can even name her Nora Aunor for a joke. Or you can even visualize the two Noras attached to each other like Siamese Twins to trigger the thought that they have the same name. Well, for her family name, you can try to relate it to some famous people, too - if you can find any relatable features on the names.
7. Envision the name as an object in your mind.
Try to imagine the name’s letters in your mind as an image or as a picture. You can exaggerate it as much as you can. You can think BIG. Nothing in this world can limit the power of your imagination. For instance, if the name is Mr. Agiwala, you can imagine him like ashes that vaporize in the air - like magic - because “Agiw” means ashes and “wala” means nothing. So, the next time, try to connect a person with an object or an image that you could relate with.
Opps! I am sorry, but, we are losing more space again. You’ll have more of the list next time. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)