Words this issue: 210 Est. Reading Time: 1 minute
From the time we are little, we are trained to respond to our name. It is so powerful that we instinctively turn around whenever we hear it called.
Good reasons to use a person's name when conversing:
1. If the person is new to you, using their name helps you to remember it. "Hi, Joe! I'm Loren." Then intermittently use their name in the conversation and when departing.
2. In group conversation, using the name clearly identifies to whom you are talking or referring. As well, using names adds a personal feeling.
3. Use a person's first name or, when
appropriate, their professional title and name
(e.g., "Dr. Elmgrove.") Doing so helps creates
a feeling of rapport.
4. When talking on the phone to a customer service person, using their name will often get you better service. Radio talk-show hosts keep a pad handy and write down the name of each caller. You do the same, or you'll probably forget it.)
My guesstimate is that roughly 70% of adult conversers rarely use the names of others even though doing this takes little effort and has big pay-offs. Try it; you'll like it.