Have you ever introduced yourself and had to repeat your name? I have, “It’s Margarette.” It’s a common occurrence, but not for me… anymore. No matter how common your name is, you can still mess it up for someone else.
Think about this: You know your name. You have probably had it your whole life. You say it all the time. It just flows out of your mouth. But if I don’t know you and am hearing your name for the first time, I need to be able to catch it and hold it. As the name bearer, you need to say your name clearly enough for me to grab it. It needs to be at a tone that is easily audible, at a volume that is stable, and at a pace that is slower than you are used to.
“My name is (pause) Pam (pause) Jones (pause).” Why the pauses? The listener needs to be ready to catch your first name…Pam…got it… and then your last name… Jones…got it. And then they need a moment to put it somewhere in their brain, make some sort of association, lock it in. This sounds easy enough, but just like any skill, you need to practice.
Be intentional the next time you need to tell someone your name. Make good eye contact. Pause and say your name louder and slower than what’s comfortable. Watch that person take it in. I bet you will see when they lock it in.
Finally, be intentional as a listener. When someone is telling you their name, focus on catching it and holding it. Repeat it back so you know you really have it. Repeating it is also a good way to check that you are saying the name properly. That becomes a bonus when you have to use it in a narrative or in an introduction later.
Your name is part of who you are. It is one of the first things people get to know about you. It can be a really easy part of you to share. If you practice, you can get it right the first time!