After a recent presentation, an attendee approached me with a common challenge: forgetting names right after being introduced. His frustration echoed a familiar dilemma: the intention to use names but struggling to follow through.
The root of this issue lies in our habits. New, desirable behaviors often clash with older, less beneficial habits ingrained in our muscle memory. Intention alone isn’t enough to overwrite these patterns. What’s needed is rehearsal.
Notice I say “rehearsal,” not “practice.”
Practice involves repeating tasks to improve proficiency. Rehearsal, on the other hand, prepares us for real-life performances like conversations and interactions where people skills matter. These “soft skills” are essential presentations, always designed to benefit others by making them feel valued and understood.
From greetings to active listening, these skills change with each interaction. That’s why rehearsing them is crucial. Take the example of remembering names: imagine someone in front of you introducing themselves. Practice using their name, making eye contact, and showing genuine interest. Repeat with different scenarios and names. For an extra boost, role-play with a friend. Soon, these actions become second nature.
Awareness alone doesn’t drive behavior change. Rehearsal does. By physically engaging in these behaviors as you would in real life, you empower yourself to improve continuously.
How do you rehearse to improve your people skills? Share your tips in the comments!
