4. I’d Like You to Meet . . . Er . . . Um . . .

I was so embarrassed. I forgot my colleague’s name when I went to introduce him to my boss. I just wasn’t expecting to see him at the meeting.

This kind of comment from a seminar participant is one I get a lot. What do you do if you start to introduce someone to another person but realize midintroduction that you’ve forgotten his or her name?

You admit it. Everyone forgets a name occasionally, and some of us more often than that—which is why you should have some standard lines ready:

• “I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name.”

• “Your face is so familiar; I just can’t recall your name.”

• “My mental computer is down. I can’t access your name.”

• “My mind has gone blank. What is your name?”

Keep it ...

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