vkaryl - 2:14 am on Aug 5, 2004 (gmt 0)

I usually just say something like, "I'm sorry, I've got 3 or 4 people talking at me right now. I missed your full name, could you repeat it please?"

I also use "Let's get the nuts and bolts tightened up to start with. I know you've given me this before, but let's fill in this form from square one, okay? Your full name?" and go on to email addy, phone, etc.

Of course, I have a built-in excuse: senior AND blond.... 2 or 3 kids under 6 works well too.... (DELIVER ME....)

[Edit: in person is easier (for me anyway) - while I'm NOT a ditz normally, I can "do" ditz quite well thank you. Creative folks aren't supposed to remember names.... In person, I generally blame it on "my admin assistant", who failed to prime me fully, and therefore I'm in the market for a new one....]