Review Is Essential
In an earlier chapter we found that a mind's eye picture would last for hours, but if discarded, or not reviewed, it would gradually fade away, time will inevitably erase it.
We also learn that to retain an impression permanently it must be reviewed several times and preferably at frequent intervals. Names of the people you meet, whom you wish to remember, must become permanent knowledge and must be reviewed or you cannot expect to accomplish the result. While the visual picture can make the strongest possible impression it will not become permanently available unless reviewed.
This review and practice in the use of the visual faculty will gradually improve the strength of the mind's eye picture and develop the habit of attention and concentration. The first review should be made shortly after the first impression, to insure its being distinct and vivid. Even while talking with the party see again your name picture associated with the face. Most names get away from you during the first thirty seconds after hearing them. Quickly make your Name Picture, associate it with the face and then review it. After a short interval do it again; when the party leaves call him by name and as soon as he is gone review the mind's eye picture of his Face and Name.
It is helpful to call a stranger by name during the conversation, speaking it clearly and distinctly. This will be of special value to those who have found that they are ear minded.
When being introduced to a group of people whose names you wish to remember, do not go rapidly, take a reasonable time to each name. After you have met four or five find some opportunity to glance back and review the faces of their associated Name Pictures, then meet a few more. As soon as possible review all the names in your mind. In no other way can you expect to remember a number of them. At least not until you have gotten considerable practice, and this is the way to practice.
Methodical Review Best
This review of the names of the strangers you have met is one of the very necessary links in your success. You should do so each evening, or at some other convenient time of the day. Quietly go over the day's experiences and recall the faces and names of all the people whom you have met. Each name should be reviewed several times, by means of this review you can meet and name the stranger often enough to make his name as familiar as you wish. When he meets you the second time, you will surprise him by readily calling him by name. He may say, "Why, how do you remember my name; you only met me once?" The fact is you have met him as many times as you have visually reviewed his name and face together.
The most accurate method of review is to write the name of each stranger into a small note book, or on a pad on your desk. Each time you review the name check it off; after you have checked it five or six times you will be familiar with it and can dispense with further review.
Merely to go over the list and check the names is of very little value, the review that will get results is the visual review of your associated picture. See both the name and face pictures again, review names and faces just as you would House and Clock by seeing the picture.