Customer Reviews

Remember Every Name Every Time: Corporate America's Memory Master Reveals His Secrets

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Overall this book will achieve its intended purpose of helping me remember names; however, this book has many weaknesses. First and foremost, the first 3 or 4 chapters were 100% worthless. He states how important it is to remember names 50 different ways and using quotes from many different people. My response to that is: "I know it is important to remember names... that's why I bought the book." A short simple introduction would have been adequate. My next criticism is that 90% of the book is fluff. This book could be summarized in a page and be just as effective in 10 pages. If I knew which pages to skip, I could have read the book and gotten the same result out of it in 1 hour. To summarize this whole book up for those of you out there, he recommends two methods. FACE (focus, ask, comment, and employ). To remember someones name you focus on them and ask them a question about their name (ie. How do you spell it), comment to them or yourself about the name and cross reference it in your head (I have a sister named amy), and then employ the name (ie. Goodbye Amy). I will admit that this method works; however, It's not very impressive and not worth wasting an hour to read what I just wrote in one sentence. The second method (advanced method) is where the book adds value. He calls this method the NAME method where you Nominate a facial feature, Articulate about it (it is big, hairy, etc), Morph the name (ie. Turn Amy into Aim or a target) and then Entwine (you picture this Target on her body part such as a mole). He does have some examples and some practice photos to help master this method. Overall, I have just summarized the entire book. I hope I can save some people some money and tell the author that he needs to learn something about brevity.

Do not buy this book unless you sell, interact with large numbers of people, or want to advance yourself through interpersonal interaction. In other words, if you breath air you need this book!

Immediately after reading it I built better relationships with people that I normally would take for granted. For example, last week I made the decision that I would remember the names of all the waiters and managers at my favorite restaurants. I did this with ease using the techniques in this book. It is amazing how helpful restaurant staff will be in getting you a reservation in a "full" restaurant when you adress them by their first name and ask them how their family is (ofcourse I took the time to learn their family member names). Most people do not take the time to learn the names of restaurant staff, gas station attendants, doormen, bus drivers and everyone else they interact with on a daily basis. What most people do not know is these are the people who can make their lives easier. Benjamin Levy does an excellent job communicating techniques that will last a lifetime!

Anyone who has trouble remembering names will be attracted to this book, which presents several techniques for remembering names. Be forewarned,
however: remembering names requires a lot of work. Just as reading a book on how to juggle will not make you into a juggler, reading this book will not give you total recall. Shortcuts just don't exist. Author Benjamin Levy has built an impressive client base by performing as a magician and memory expert at top-end events. He provides the visual and verbal tools you need to recall names. However, getAbstract.com (WE?) reminds readers that self-help books require you to start the regimen and continue it daily. We recommend this book to any business executive who wants to do better at remembering names and faces - but don't forget to practice!

I'm a chronic name forgetter, so I've read other books about memory hoping for help. This is the first one I've found that offers advice that's clear and effective (I've already had some luck with it). Maybe it works so well because the book's a great motivator: the opening chapters demonstrate how the ability to remember names has had a big impact on the author's career, and they show how highly prized the ability is by leaders in corporate America. I wish the photos had been bigger, but they work pretty well as practice material. In the long run, I'll bet "Remember Every Name, Every Time" turns out to be more valuable than the last 10 business books I've read because it's not about theory, it's about a practical skill that can result in real benefits.

This is an exceptionally good book for learning effective techniques to remember names. You'll never say "I have a terrible memory for names!" again. I've been using Benjamin Levy's ideas now for about three weeks and am really having fun connecting with people at work, at parties, dinners and weddings, etc. in ways I've never done before. The tone of the book is just right. With very funny, good examples, Mr. Levy encourages you to use your imagination in ways that make meeting people memorable and enjoyable. His style is engagingly self-deprecating, very approachable and readable.

For many years I've studied memory and related subjects. I have even demonstrated memory by memorising a magazne. I have over 50 books on memory in my library and none equal this book for teaching how to remember names. It does not necessarily break new ground but it really teaches you how to remember names in an interesting and easy way. I think you shoud buy the book. You should know that I have no finacial interest in this book.

Bill Tadlock

I've read several books that talk about the importance of remembering names. This book gives two very simple methods to remember names and faces. Since reading, I've become much aware of and better at remembering both.

I've started using the first section of the book and the techniques are pretty simple and effective. There is a bit too much about why it's so important to remember a name. I don't think it's necessary because if you didn't think it was important, you wouldn't have bought the book.

I have not quite finished reading the book, but can already tell its not for introverted people. If you want to remember names, but don't want to engage in an elaborate social encounter each time you meet someone, this book is not for you.

"This is the best book on how to remember names ever written. I know because I've read just about every one of them. It's clear, concise, innovative and presents the information in a highly readable, entertaining, easy-to-understand and easy-to-learn style. If you have only one volume about memory on your bookshelf, make it 'Remember Every Name Every Time,' by Benjamin Levy. It's a sure winner for your business career, wherever you are on the corporate ladder." - Harvey Mackay, NY Times #1 best-selling author of Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive