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Negative thinking is usually a bad thing, especially if it occurs in the form of premature judgment of an idea. However, sometimes intentionally thinking negatively can help you find weak points in your solution.

Think about the worst parts of your idea. Try to identify all the defects that you can. Be as critical and superficial as possible and keep a list of all the negative aspects of your idea. Once you are done, go over your list and identify the key defects. See if you can improve them.

This can be especially helpful if you are going to present your idea to a group or person who is going to judge it. If you already know the top few things that are wrong with it, you can have some arguments or alternative solutions prepared in your defense.

un-couth

adj :: Awkward or clumsy in appearance, manner, or behavior.

"But when the nurse saw his uncouth face and full beard, she was afraid and sprang up and fled and left the child." --Homer

Have you ever been introduced to someone and then forgotten their name a minute later? Here's a little tip to help you remember. When you are introduced, make an effort to repeat their name out loud.

For example:
"It's nice to meet you, Bruce. My name is..." or
"My sister's name is Karin too!"

By just saying their name out loud, you will be reinforcing it in your memory and it will be much more difficult to forget. If you can link it to someone else that you know (like your sister in the above example), you will have one more way to help you remember.