Q:

Remembering the names of meeting participants

Imagine there is a workshop or meeting with about 10 participants. You see them for the first time. Everybody introduces himself during the first minutes.
It's hard for me (and I guess some other technologically oriented people) to remember their names.
I guess electronic gadgets won't help. Writing down what other people say when they introduce themselves feels... strange. 
How to remember the names of the participants quickly and reliably?
Goal: Discussing is more effective if you can use the name of the people.
Update

Of course I have this problem only if I meet new people
There is no written agenda with the list of names.

A:

I have this problem too (and yes I am technically oriented). It is not common here in the UK to have Nameplates in meetings other than training groups (for some illogical reason), nor does everyone have a business card and those that do often don't share them for more informal meetings.
The solution that works for me is that as soon as I sit down I draw a "map" of the desk/table/group at the top of my blank page (it can be quite small and discreet, it doesn't have to be a big drawing)- then as people's names become apparent, either through a round-the-table introduction or as people ask, speak and introduce others, I just write them onto the map. Often I include their job title, role, area of expertise or responsibility on the project, so I know who to go back to with a specific question. Tip: always include yourself on that map so later you can see who was sitting next to you, left and right, and opposite...
If it is a smaller group, and everyone has arrived, I merely write everyone's name across the top of the page, in order, starting on my left. Then to identify a person I quickly count from my left to their place around the table and pick the nth item in the list (it works quicker than it sounds for <=5 people).
This has saved me countless times. I have tried to "fix" their name in memory using the techniques outlined elsewhere, but I can never think fast enough or creatively enough!
Yes it could be perceived as a bit nerdy, or a bit weak because I cannot magically remember everyone's name, but that discomfort is soon over (if it really exists at all) but the discomfort of having to address people during the meeting and not being able to use their name when they only just told it, lasts longer and is more focussed on you. A benefit is that you then have the names of everyone in your notes, which can be very important for email follow-ups after the meeting.

