When I’m signing books and someone says, ‘Could you sign it to Jacqueline?’ my heart sinks.
Not because I don’t like the name Jacqueline. Lovely name.
It’s because there are about 25 different ways to spell it.
Jacqueline
Jackeline
Jaclyn
Jaqueline
And you can guarantee, if I guess, I’ll get it wrong.
So, I always ask.
‘How do you spell it?’
Then, as they spell, I repeat it back.
'J-a-c-q-u-e-l-i-n-e.'
Not because I’m being fussy. Because it’s their name.
Dale Carnegie has so many fab quotes. But I love this one:
‘A person’s name is the sweetest and most important sound in any language.'
He was right.
Your name is a huge part of your character.
It’s not just a label on a file or a conference 'Hi I'm...' badge. It carries identity, family, culture, history and belonging.
Which is why getting it wrong (without effort) is terrible.
And it’s pronunciation too.
We live and work in a world where we meet people with names we may not have seen before, heard before or know how to pronounce.
And guess what, it’s okay to ask.
In fact, it’s respectful.
Saying, ‘Could you help me pronounce your name properly?’
It says, I don’t want to guess or mumble something. I don’t want to make you fit what’s easy for me.
It shows you’re prepared to make a little effort.
And if you get it wrong?
No drama.
No ‘Eeeh, I’m terrible with names.’
No awkward speech.
Apologise, correct yourself and move on.
Be Brilliant!
Michael
That’s a-e-l and Heppell with two p’sand two l’s
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