Three Simple Ways to Create Memorable Interactions

Let me start by stating the, hopefully, obvious:

How well someone remembers us after our initial meeting is determined by too many factors to count, and many of them are completely outside of our control.

But even if we can't fully control how well - and how fondly - someone remembers our interaction, there are several things we can do to increase the odds that they will.

Let's explore three of my favorite ones.

1. Create an inside joke or topic.

Most people only have inside jokes or topics with people they already know well.

So when they happen with someone outside of their inner circle, those interactions tend to stand out from the crowd.

And although few people do, there is no reason why we can't create these kinds of moments even the very first time we meet someone.

An easy way to practice creating inside jokes is to pay attention to the situation and people around you and point out the things you find amusing or funny. (Please keep it respectful of others, though.)

These have a good chance of creating those "you had to be there"-moments, which are at the core of many inside jokes.

To create an “inside topic”, practice asking questions that stand out from the typical questions people tend to ask and that encourage enjoyable or interesting conversations simply because they’re different.

Among my personal favorites is asking people about their useless talents, their unrealistically perfect vacation, or what they would call their autobiography.

Questions like these stand out as unusual, but it’s rare that I don’t receive laughter, smiles, and interesting conversations when I ask them.

Remember, the key isn't to force it but to be genuine in creating a moment that feels special to just the two of you.

2. Have a shared adventure

Interactions that include more than just talking are, by their nature, more memorable.

So, instead of focusing only on the conversation, make an effort to create a shared experience or two – even if they're tiny.

• If you're at a party, suggest exploring the venue together to find the best spot.
• If you're at a networking event, team up to find the person with the most interesting job title.
• If you're at a coffee shop, ask them to help you decide between two drinks you're considering.

These micro-adventures might seem small, but they transform regular interactions into shared experiences and give us something to talk about and think back on later.

As an added bonus, people tend to remember experiences far better than conversations since they engage more of our senses and require us to get more involved than a simple conversation does.

3. Break their social autopilot

Most social interactions follow predictable patterns. When we break these patterns (in a positive way), we instantly create stronger shared memories.

Examples of this could include:

• Instead of answering "good" when someone asks how you are, share a genuine moment from your day that made you smile.
• Instead of asking how someone knows your mutual friend, ask what they love most about that mutual friend.
• Instead of asking what someone does for work, ask what they're excited about these days.

The key is to be genuinely interested in creating a real interaction, not just being different for the sake of it.

So don’t just copy these suggestions if they don’t sound right to you.

Take the time to come up with your own questions and answers that sound genuinely interesting or fun to you. (Learn more about how in this article/video.)

Then, start practicing.

Practice with friends, acquaintances, and strangers, and you’ll soon find that far more of your conversations end up being enjoyable and memorable.

Want to learn more of my communication techniques? Here's a free link to my Centered Communication course!