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Everyday memory guide

How to remember meetings, talking points and names at work

Repeat a new colleague’s name, link talking points to familiar places and write meeting actions in one trusted list. Review each action with a time or situation that will remind you to do it.

By Riyad, maker of Keen at Oyrial · Updated

Work is full of small memory jobs: the name of the new colleague, the point you wanted to make, what you agreed to do by Friday. They slip because they arrive while you are busy with something else. Here are simple methods for each, no special talent needed.

How can you remember coworkers’ and clients’ names?

  1. Catch it and say it back. "Nice to meet you, Priya." Saying the name once makes you notice it.
  2. Link it to one detail. Where they sit, their team, one feature. Make a silly picture that joins the name to it. Our 5-step method for names walks through this.
  3. Write a first-week list. After each day, note new names with one detail: "Sam, finance, cycles in." Read it the next morning.
  4. For clients, add it to their contact. One line about what you talked about. Read it before the next call.

What can you say when you forget a name?

How can you recall talking points without reading notes?

  1. Keep it to three. Three points fit easily in your head. Seven do not.
  2. One key word each. "Budget, deadline, hiring."
  3. Link the words. Make one quick picture (a wallet chasing a clock into an interview room), or a word from the first letters.
  4. Say them once before you go in. Out loud, in order.

How can you remember what was agreed in a meeting?

Is forgetting at work normal?

Everyday slips happen at every age, and more when you are tired, busy or stressed. The NHS advises seeing a GP if memory problems affect your day-to-day life (NHS: memory loss). This guide is about everyday practice. It is not a test and not medical advice.

Questions

What should I say when I forget someone's name at work?

Be honest and quick: "I'm sorry, your name has gone right out of my head." Most people have done the same. Then use the name straight away and note it down after.

How do I remember what was said in a meeting?

Within two minutes of the meeting ending, write three lines: what was decided, what you must do, and by when. Saying the actions back at the end of the meeting helps too.

How can I remember my talking points without notes?

Keep it to three points, give each a single key word, and link the words in a quick picture or a short word made from their first letters.

Related

Keen’s names-and-faces lesson pairs Gordon’s name with a bicycle picture. Use the same kind of link when learning a new name.
Keen’s names-and-faces lesson pairs Gordon’s name with a bicycle picture. Use the same kind of link when learning a new name.