For some people, being memorable is effortless, an unconscious act of nature. They may have a certain hitch in their walk or lilt in their accent that distinguishes them. Or they may just say the darnedest things that somehow work their way into your memory. These folks are the lucky ones; they have the ability to network as if it were a class they mastered in the first grade.
Although I’m not one of them, I’ve met enough of these people in the meet-and-greet jungle to know that they don’t have to tap dance in stilettos to be remembered. They have other ways of being unforgettable that we can all learn from.
Be Quotable
One of my friends is effortlessly quotable. At least every tenth sentence of hers includes a short stream of thoughtful and engaging words that I file away in my journal. The quotes can be devastatingly true, entertaining, or outrageous and they always resonate, making not only the quote memorable, but my friend as well. Her latest quote, which she stated in a wry tone after scanning a room of men at a trendy Los Angeles bar, “I don’t like men who decorate themselves,” still has me smiling.
Quotes work in part because they evoke an emotion, like joy, which is perhaps one of the most powerful elements necessary for creating a long-term memory. According to researchers, we are most likely to remember things that are unusual and emotional as well as things that involve all of our senses. So taking time to sit down and craft a couple of personal quotes is a good idea, but if you come up blank, borrow from the pros. Here are a few quotes from notables that are sure to spark a memorable conversation:
- Marriage is too interesting an experiment to be tried only once.—Eva Gabor
- For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.—Virginia Woolf
- I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.—Maya Angelou
Be Odd, Be Proud
Boring people are rarely remembered and when they are, it’s usually due to the extremity of their dullness. On the other hand, people have an easy time remembering those who are quirky or unconventional. For example, look at the following list:
1. Chair
2. Screw driver
3. Albino peacock
4. Laundry
5. Cake
6. Cat
Now close your eyes for twenty seconds, then open them and recite the list. Chances are, you remembered the albino peacock.
Because we remember things that are unique, it will help if you reveal a personal experience, trait, or unique observation that you would not readily share with people for fear of being considered odd. (Odd can be good as long as it doesn’t swing toward creepy.) Keep in mind that what you do for a living, where you’re from, and where you earned your degree are pertinent pieces of information, but sharing with someone that you apprenticed with a cobbler for a summer in the Ukraine will ensure that you’re remembered.
Rethink Your Name
At a recent networking event, a woman handed me her business card and the first line read “Dr. Catherine Cat Woman, PhD.” Her actual name was listed below along with her contact information, but it was this nickname that grabbed my attention. Two months later, I still haven’t forgotten Dr. Cat Woman. Without knowing it, the diligent doctor created a name that was more difficult to forget than it was to remember and it reflected her unique spirit and sense of humor. She took a risk, and the name actually worked for her instead of against her.
When augmenting your name, consider using alliteration or rhyme. A study conducted by a team of researchers from American Universities revealed that people are more likely to remember concepts and themes from poems and prose writing when alliteration is used. This holds true for names as well. As for rhyme, The Cat in the Hat seems to have worked. Another way to make your name memorable is to associate it with something popular. If your name is similar to that of a celebrity, famous city, or a revered author, make the connection by relaying a personal story or interesting fact; i.e., although I can’t sing like Ella Fitzgerald, at least I got the songstress’ name.
