4 Effective Steps to Memorize A Name

Our names are so important to us. It’s on all our official documents, we answer proudly to it, we even learn to sign it with the flourish we think it merits. It’s flattering when someone remembers it -- and a little offensive when someone doesn’t:
The ability to recall other people's names is not only appreciated, it can also be both personally and professionally beneficial. Nonetheless, whether we meet 10 people or just one or two, we often have trouble remembering names -- despite their cultural importance. This occurs for a variety of reasons:

• Names are exchanged at the beginning of a conversation and not at the end, which is when we’d be more likely to recall them.
• We’re not paying a whole lot of attention, perhaps because we think we have no reason or desire to remember them.
• Because the names themselves typically don’t mean anything other than to signify that particular person and to give them a "title."

This last reason may be the most significant. A guy tells you his name is John because his father’s name was John. Well, who’s his father to you? Nobody. But if a scrawny guy introduces himself as Fatty and says his parents were big Fatty Arbuckle fans, now we’re getting somewhere.

Normally you won’t be so lucky, so the best method for memorizing the names of others lays in the following 4-step process, alternating reinforcement with the use of mnemonic devices and observational connections.

step 1
Repeat the name in the introductionThis is a basic and even obvious first step, but it demands inclusion. Doing so serves as the memory’s first reinforcement of the name, and it also happens to be good etiquette. Thus, whether it is following an introduction by a third person or the introduction is initiated by you or the other person, repeat their name in a simple, direct way, such as, “Todd, is it?” or “Nice to meet you, Mary.” Don't over-annunciate the name or make it obvious that you are repeating it for memorization purposes. Just make sure that you throw in the name at the beginning of the introduction again, or pepper it throughout your discussion at opportune moments to remind yourself and keep your mind focused on the name.

step 2
Apply a suitable deviceYour next step is an internal one: Apply a mnemonic device to the name itself in a second effort at reinforcement. Here there are a number of options at your disposal. Which device you choose to use is whatever works best for you. Such a device may be most effective when it isn’t the most obvious, or when it asks your brain to operate in a manner to which it isn’t accustomed. Some options include:
Make a rhyme.
Write it down. The simple act of jotting it down can be all you’ll need to memorize a name, although you may consider writing it down with your weaker hand. It won’t look pretty, but it’ll take longer and will demand more concentration.
Spell the name backwards in your head. Similar to the aspect of a field sobriety test that asks you to recite the alphabet backwards, doing this requires an unconventional mental action and will have you concentrating on the name fully.

step 3
Immediately put the name to workUse the name the first time you address the person beyond the introduction, such as, “So, Todd, Alex tells me…” or “Mary, did you say you went to Penn State?” Here you run the risk of looking like a moron if you repeatedly use the name -- we’ve all met those people before -- so beyond some necessity, cut it off here until you say goodbye, and then employ the name one last time.This type of repetition and reinforcement has merit: In the oral tradition of Homer’s Iliad, names are repeated regularly and are sometimes assigned descriptive epithets that help the listener associate certain traits with certain characters.

step 4
Make a physical connectionFinally, keep in mind that our visual memory is strong; after all, you hear “I never forget a face” far more often than “I never forget a name.” So, in the final step, give that visual recollection the task of tagging the name together with some conspicuous or prominent aspect. A human face has yet to be born without some hook or tweak on which to hang your observational associations. For example:Eyes (shape, color, expressiveness or emptiness, shiftiness, intensity); eyebrows (uni-brow, bushy, thin, arched); or a short forehead, a shocking chin, a dramatic double curve of the upper lip (called Cupid’s bow), or any distinguishing feature at all that you can tie to the name. Should the face fail you, seek out other less ostensibly visual characteristics, such as manner of speaking (accent, lisp, nasal, good diction, loud, soft-spoken) or word choice (pretentious terms, odd synonyms, slang, cursing, using your name in excess).

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How to Wear a Tuxedo?

If the evening calls for a tuxedo, you don’t have to be just another penguin and you don’t have to be afraid to rent one. Renting a tuxedo allows you the pleasure of not spending hundreds for an outfit you’ll only wear occasionally and you’ll be able to rent the latest style. Renting is easier than you think, but knowing how to wear a tuxedo will single you out as a man who knows how to dress well when the occasion calls for only the best.

Lately, I’ve noticed the garish trend of men opting out of the tuxedo. They either think it’s unnecessary or they don’t want to go to the effort. Unfortunately, they only look foolish.

I recently attended the annual gala opening of the Indianapolis Symphony, which is a formal, black-tie affair with international guests that include ambassadors and philanthropists. On this night, we enjoyed the solo efforts for guest violinist Joshua Bell. Bell grew up near Bloomington, Indiana, where he is now a professor at the Indiana University School of Music when he is not touring the world or scoring films. As a native son, I thought the audience would be especially eager to turn up in tuxedos and evening gowns. Alas, the scourge of fashion -- that casual Friday uniform of golf shirt and khakis -- ruled the night.

Would it have been so hard to find an affordable tuxedo at the last minute? I think not. If the invitation states that black-tie is optional, then, by all means, you had better show up in black-tie. The use of the word “optional” is just a polite way of reminding you what you should wear.

With that it mind, it occurred to me that with today’s relaxed fashion doctrine, many men may not know how to wear a tuxedo. So, I’m taking it upon myself to teach you young men exactly how to wear a tuxedo.

WHEN TO WEAR A TUXEDO

If the invitation to a wedding or the theater tickets say that it’s “optional” to wear a tuxedo, then you don’t have an option -- wear a tux. Then again, even if it doesn’t state the attire, you should go to the extra effort of showing your young lady friend that you’re a man of taste and wear one for that romantic evening at the theater. You really don’t have to have an invitation as an excuse or a reason. Her affection should be enough of an incentive -- it will be worth it.

WAYS TO WEAR A TUXEDO

Tie options: The first thing you’ll encounter when you’re learning how to wear a tuxedo is that you have three tie options to decide upon: The first is the pre-tied bow tie. The second is the actual bow tie, which takes a steady hand and a bit of practice. If you’re in a rush, don’t even think about this one. Third, a black tie adds a modern touch to any tux and is best for an evening with a younger crowd.

Collar styles: The band collar with the two small points facing down is what you usually get from the tux shop. If, however, you have a pinpoint French-cuffed shirt of your own, wear it instead. Why? First, you know it will fit. You’ll also be more comfortable and you won’t have to pay for a lousy shirt rental.

Shoes: I have two words for you: Black leather. Skip the patent-leather shoes that come with the tux at the rental shop and just wear your own black dress shoes, but make sure they are a simple capped toe and polished to a high shine. You’ll be happier during the event and the next day.

Cuff links and shirt studs: If you’re renting, just go with the set that comes with the tux. Otherwise, stay with cuff links in silver or stainless steel that don’t attract too much attention.

WHICH STYLE OF TUXEDO SHOULD YOU WEAR?

The single-breasted jacket is the all purpose and classic style that will fit all body types and sizes.

The double-breasted jacket always looks better on taller men because of its boxy shape and cut. If you are under six-feet tall, stay with a single-breasted jacket.

The shawl-collar jacket is the style that Sean Connery made famous as Bond, but its time has passed. If the salesman tries to talk you into this style, just go somewhere else.

The white dinner jacket is the only thing that will do if you have the luxury of attending a black-tie affair in a tropical climate. Otherwise, you’ll just look foolish, because even though it might be summer and the heat index is off the charts, a white dinner jacket simply looks out of place in a landlocked city.

BENDING THE RULES

Wearing only the jacket is probably the single best way to dress up a pair of jeans. The mere act screams rebel, so if you’re not confident in yourself when the moment arrives to step outside, go back in and try something else.

Wearing the jacket and trousers with a matching black shirt for a modern look is worth trying if you’ll be attending any event other than a wedding. The shirt, however, must be exceptionally well-made and look as good on its own as it does under the jacket.

THE DO's DONT's OF THE TUXEDO

The biggest mistake men make when wearing a tuxedo is placing the cummerbund around their waist with the pleats facing down. Over a hundred years ago, the pleats were designed to face up and were used to hold theater tickets. This was at a time when trousers did not have pockets and all men carried their money in their jackets. So, pay homage to your ancestors and wear the pleats up. You can still hold your ticket stubs in the pleats.

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5 Tips to Keep Your Memory Sharp

Do you ever forget the name of someone you've just met? Where you put those keys? Whether you locked the door on your way out? Your girlfriend's birthday? Sure you do -- we all do, occasionally. But what if your memory loss and inability to focus progress and become more and more frequent?

Unfortunately, memory loss and aging go hand in hand. As of one's early 20s, the brain begins losing neurons, and the body starts to make less of the chemicals that the brain requires to work properly.

Fortunately, there's a lot that you can do to slow down this process. Below are some tips to keep your memory sharp.

1. Eat healthy meals

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is not only important for your body, it's also essential for your brain and memory. According to the American Academy of Neurology, eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants -- such as berries, oranges, spinach, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes -- can reduce the risk of stroke by 11%.

Another study has shown that antioxidants and polyphenols in blueberries, cranberries and grapes can help improve the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other, and lessen the brain's susceptibility to injury.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, elements such as curcumin and B vitamins such as niacin and folic acid may also help prevent memory loss, and may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

2. Lay off the booze

Some people don't remember anything about the previous night's party after binge drinking. Luckily for them, in most cases, this alcohol "blackout" or memory loss is temporary.

Scientists used to think that blackouts affected only hardcore alcoholics. Studies, however, have shown that this is also a common phenomenon in social drinkers. In a study of about 2,000 male social drinkers, researchers found that 35% of them had experienced at least one blackout in the year before the survey.

Alcohol can interfere with the ability to form new long-term memories, even after just one or two drinks. Some studies have suggested that there is a relationship between the severity of the memory impairment and the amount of alcohol consumed; the more you drink, the worse your memory loss is.

3. Exercise your body

We all know that we need to exercise to keep our muscles in shape. But did you know that working out can also help your mind?

Cardiovascular exercise can help prevent memory loss. Doctors think that this is because exercise can improve blood circulation to the brain and reduce aging-related loss of brain tissue. Brain scan studies have demonstrated that the gray matter of older men who are physically fit is in better shape than those who didn't exercise.

You don't have to run a marathon to keep your mind sharp -- mind-body exercises can also help you in the battle against memory loss. Another study showed that aging men who regularly perform Chinese exercises, such as tai chi and qi qong, have much better learning and memory capabilities compared to those who do not.

Note, however, that it's important to not overdo that aerobic routine. Exercising to the point of dehydration can actually harm memory functions.

4. Exercise your brain

Giving your mind a workout can literally help your brain grow. By keeping your brain active, you are encouraging neuronal brain cells to make new connections, which allow the cells to communicate with one another. This can help memory storage and prevent memory loss.

There are many things you can do to exercise your mind; some of them are activities as simple as doing a crossword puzzle, playing chess, reading, and staying active. There are also benefits to learning to do new things, such as playing a musical instrument, learning a foreign language or starting a hobby. The key is doing so regularly. When it comes to matters of mind and memory, it's use it or lose it!

5. Take memory-boosting supplements

Science has long acknowledged the benefits of some nutritional supplements such as zinc and folic acid, in brain development. Cutting-edge research has identified other nutrients that may help boost brain functions and prevent premature memory loss in men. These nutrients are found in Anchor Health's BrainFlex, a natural supplement for boosting memory and concentration.Its ingredients include:

• Antioxidants that help eliminate harmful free radicals and herbs that help protect the nerve cells from damage.


• Nutrients that feed the brain by increasing oxygen and glucose supply.


• Herbs that aid the production of neurotransmitters, a compound used to transmit nerve signals in the brainSupplements that can help boost your memory include:

Ginkgo biloba

A popular herb, ginkgo biloba has long been used in traditional medicine to boost memory. It has a powerful antioxidant property, and can help prevent damage to blood vessels in the brain. It can also help improve blood flow to your noggin and ensure optimal delivery of oxygen and nutrients to nerve cells by maintaining the tone and elasticity of blood vessels.

B vitamins

B vitamins are involved in many metabolic processes in the body and are important for overall health. In regard to the brain specifically, two members of this vitamin family stand out: vitamin

B12 and folic acid. Vitamin B12 is involved in the maintenance of the myelin sheath, a protective cover of nerve cells that allows them to function properly.In addition to helping prevent birth defects, folic acid is also an essential ingredient for the brain's neurotransmitters. Low levels of folic acid have been linked with memory loss, whereas people with sharp memory functions have been found to have high levels of this nutrient.

Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine

These two nutrients are phospholipids or fatty acids, found in the membrane of all cells. They play an important role in the composition of cellular membrane by keeping it fluid and flexible, and they also serve as precursors of the brain's neurotransmitters. Phosphatidylserine levels decline with age, and research has shown that phosphatidylserine supplements can reverse the decline in memory and concentration.

Amino acids

The primary function of amino acids is to act as the building blocks of proteins. Certain types, however, also function in brain development and regeneration. For example, L-taurine is a potent neuroprotector, guarding the nerve cells against stress and toxins. L-pyroglutamine is essential for the metabolism of neurons, and DMAE, a precursor to neurotransmitters, has been shown to improve short-term memory.

An easy way to get these herbs and nutrients is from Anchor Health's BrainFlex, which contains 21 herbs, vitamins and nutrients clinically proven to improve brain functions and memory.