And your name is...?

You're at a book launch for an author with friends in high places. You're having a sip of champagne, and you find yourself talking polite chat with a couple of people you have little interest in, but who happen to be standing near the champagne. You whitter on in sweeping statements about your job in publishing or PR. You quickly run dry, and turn to one of the gentleman and say, "But enough about me; what do you do?"

He looks like he's never been asked this question before. "I’m, er..." he says, looking slightly awkward and nervously adjusting his dog collar, "I’m... The Archbishop of Canterbury." Absolutely mortified, you apologetically screech, "Oh my god! I had no idea!" And then, by way of further explanation, "I’m a Quaker."

The Archbishop beams beatifically. "And what a lovely thing to be."

Luckily, I was the onlooker in this dialogue; but the experience of not knowing who someone is when you've met them several times happens on a daily basis. When you're sat round a boardroom table with 12 people from different departments and agencies, they all look to you to be introduced, and suddenly your memory clears completely. There were definitely three Andrews, and a James...

Two is the magic number
The strategy is to make an ally. Acknowledge to them before you go to the meeting that you may be unsure of names, and introduce them first to everyone. As they shake hands, the nameless co-workers will usually introduce themselves. Failing this, your ally should be prepped to ask, "And what's your name? Nice to meet you."

Commit to all senses
In the boardroom, an acceptable tool is to ask each individual to introduce themselves to the rest one by one. As all participants do so, jot down their names on your notepad in the same configuration as they are seated. When each one talks for the rest of the meeting, look briefly down at their name, and you'll find that you will quickly remember all names - by writing it, reading it, seeing their face and hearing their voice as you read, you are committing the name to as many senses as possible and will find it easier in future.

If that fails, look for a dog collar and sceptre.