Name of the game
Names and me are miles apart. It takes me quite a while to register someone’s name to memory.
When I am faced with a new batch of students, I prefer to meet them with a list of their names. Not that it guaranteed memory but at least it helps me make the connect between name and face in lesser number of days.
I once had a very brilliant set of sixth grade students who found out about my list. They insisted I put away the list and call out the names from memory. I remember how I had to ransack my brains for at least some faint hint so that the intensity of embarrassment wasn’t too much.
When I have to call up places I regular, like the salon for instance, I used to try and come up with opening lines that didn’t require me to use names of the staff. After a while I felt it wasn’t right, so I discreetly wrote down the names on the bill I received. Except that the next time I wanted to call, I couldn’t remember where I had kept the bill.
Luckily for me, one of the girls shared her name with a leading Bollywood actress and so I assigned that to memory.
My phone calls to the salon were now much easier and things were going on fine till the last time I called, only to be told the “Bollywood” girl didn’t work there anymore and there was a new girl in her place.
So now I have to find a new connection. The process doesn’t end, does it?
Vidya Shankar
Published in The Gulf Today / Short Take, dt Apr 28, 2018)
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/341be0d1-8ead-49d4-8e9c-63f12f5f8f47.aspx
Here's my first book! An ensemble of poetry and photographs.
Click the link below to watch a 30-second promo video.
https://youtu.be/5BhbjMaIwpk
You can buy it at this link:
https://notionpress.com/read/the-flautist-of-brindaranyamwww.facebook.com
When I am faced with a new batch of students, I prefer to meet them with a list of their names. Not that it guaranteed memory but at least it helps me make the connect between name and face in lesser number of days.
I once had a very brilliant set of sixth grade students who found out about my list. They insisted I put away the list and call out the names from memory. I remember how I had to ransack my brains for at least some faint hint so that the intensity of embarrassment wasn’t too much.
When I have to call up places I regular, like the salon for instance, I used to try and come up with opening lines that didn’t require me to use names of the staff. After a while I felt it wasn’t right, so I discreetly wrote down the names on the bill I received. Except that the next time I wanted to call, I couldn’t remember where I had kept the bill.
Luckily for me, one of the girls shared her name with a leading Bollywood actress and so I assigned that to memory.
My phone calls to the salon were now much easier and things were going on fine till the last time I called, only to be told the “Bollywood” girl didn’t work there anymore and there was a new girl in her place.
So now I have to find a new connection. The process doesn’t end, does it?
Vidya Shankar
Published in The Gulf Today / Short Take, dt Apr 28, 2018)
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/341be0d1-8ead-49d4-8e9c-63f12f5f8f47.aspx
Here's my first book! An ensemble of poetry and photographs.
Click the link below to watch a 30-second promo video.
https://youtu.be/5BhbjMaIwpk
You can buy it at this link:
https://notionpress.com/read/the-flautist-of-brindaranyamwww.facebook.com
No comments have been added yet.
