Build rapport by genuinely remembering and using names

Social psychologist Dale Carnegie famously taught that a person’s name is the sweetest sound to them. Memory research confirms that names are arbitrary labels, prone to quick forgetting unless actively encoded. Cognitive psychologists categorize name recall as associative memory—when you link a new name to something familiar, retention skyrockets.

In real life, Sarah attended a conference where dozens of faces blurred together until a speaker said, “Welcome, Chris!” The “Chris” popped into her mind because she associated it with her nephew. Later, when she met Chris from the session, that mental link triggered instant recall.

Contrast that with forgetting someone’s name at a party—an embarrassing lapse that signals disinterest. The brain’s “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon can be avoided by using repetition, imagery, and contextual cues. Research shows that using a name within the first minute increases name recall by 40%.

By practicing these memory techniques—immediate repetition, imagery, and use in natural dialogue—you transform a fleeting introduction into a lasting, respectful connection. This principle underlies numerous business networking programs and is key to mastering interpersonal rapport.

Before your next event, pick three new people you expect to meet and assign them a mental image—like connecting “Tina” to a teacup. Greet each by repeating their name, and weave it into your questions: “Tina, what do you find most exciting about this workshop?” This practice rewires your associative memory, making names stick—and people feel valued.