Ten Tips for Getting People's Names Right. By Rachel Green

1. Gently ask someone what their name is if you don't know, e.g. "I'm sorry I didn't catch your name".
   

2. Use people's names when they are introduced to you.
   For example, "Hi, I'm Jon", "Hi Jon". This will help you remember the name when you have finished.

3. Use the name the person gives you
   If I say "Hi! I'm Rachel Green" then say "Hi Rachel"; if I say, "This is Mrs Green", say "Hello, Mrs Green".

4. If you want to appear friendly and confident offer your name on meeting people - you don't have to wait to be introduced.

5. If you are stuck for a topic of conversation you may find talking about the person's name is an easy first step.
   Often people have some history surrounding their name whether it is the meaning of their name, why they were called that name or whether they like their name or not. Of course if you have a conversation about the person's name you will also have increased your chance of remembering it!

6. Don't assume it is all right to abbreviate a person's name.
   You may be trying to be friendly - but they may not like the abbreviation. Catherine may not want to be Cathy; Georgina may not want to be Georgie; and Michael may not want to be Mick!

7. If you're at a meeting or on the telephone write down the person's name to help you remember.

8. If you are given a business card reading it may help you remember the person's name.

9. Make a commitment to remember names so that your antenna are tuned to picking the names up in the first place.

10. Don't automatically assume you know what a person likes to be called.
    Ask politely. A simple question such as, "do you prefer Sandy or Sandra" may be all it takes.

Further information

Best wishes,
Rachel Green
PO Box 344, Kelmscott, Western Australia 6991.
Phone: +61 8 9390 1188. Fax +61 8 9390 1199
E-mail: >