Ooooh, what's her name...

When you’re in a room full of people and someone who looks sooooo familiar approaches you with a big smile and greets you by name, what is your biggest fear?

When you approach someone you’ve met a few times and they look like a 7th-grader trying to recall the 12th amendment for an oral exam because your name isn’t coming to them, how does it make you feel?

Forgetting names. Mispronouncing names. Calling someone by the wrong name (ugh - that’s the worst and I do it more than I’d like to admit). Happens all the time. Most people forgive the blunder, but that doesn’t make it any less awkward.

What can we do?

First, when you meet someone, do your best to make it easy for the other person to remember and pronounce your name. My friend Ashley gave me a great tip: say your first name, pause, and then say your first and last name (think James Bond in reverse).

For me, pronouncing my name always throws people for a loop. Honestly: Ciaran Bellwoar – who’s going to get that right?! So, I introduce myself and give a hint: “Hi, I’m Ciaran – kind of sounds like beer.” If the person says “Karen?” I say, “No, not Karen, Kieran.” I’m lucky in the Chit-Chat sense because this usually sparks a conversation about how I was named. (Ask me next time you see me if you don’t know.)

One corporate coach suggests that you associate your name with something to make it memorable. She introduces herself as “Susan Morris – like Morris the Cat.” I met her five years ago and still remember that. See? It does work.

What about when we’re on the other side – someone introduces themselves or is introduced to us and they offer nothing but a big smile and a hand shake. Two seconds later their name is erased from our memory and we need to introduce them to someone else. Can you say Awkward…

If it’s an unusual name – say it back to them so that you know you are saying it correctly. Then repeat it and ask about it. Chances are they are used to some sort of reaction. “Ciaran. That’s so unique. Is that a family name?” or “How do you spell that?” In your mind associate it with something.

I often struggle with more common names that could be pronounced one way or another. Is it “Maryanne or Marion?” “Steven or Stefan” “Caroline or Carolyn.” I try to repeat it a few times and just ingrain it into my mind.

What if it’s an easy name, like Bill Jones? Oh, just sneak a peek at his name badge.

Sports Quick Hit
For those of us who aren’t avid sports followers but are usually in a meeting with others who are, I offer this tidbit:

Sport: Baseball
Topic: The Race for the Pennant
Info you need to be able to nod your head knowingly: Teams are now trying to better their ranking within their divisions (American League & National League which both have East, West & Central divisions – six in all) to make it to post-season championship series.

Leading teams are:
Atlanta, Philly (hooray), Cincinnati, St. Louis, NY Yankees, Tampa Bay (these two teams are super close), Minnesota, and Texas Rangers. If someone mentions the Wild Card, that means one of two spots in each League that is up for grabs to a team that doesn’t automatically win their division but has the best record).

Hope it helps.