What should you do when someone says your name incorrectly?
It's more than likely that at least one person you've met has gotten your name wrong. But what's the best way to handle this awkward situation?
For some, it may not seem like a big deal, but the way you pronounce someone's name can mean a lot. So, when someone says, "I don't mind how you say my name" it's likely they do care about how it's said – just not always in an obvious way.
Names are deeply tied to a person’s identity. They’re not only the first thing that identifies someone, but also play a role in shaping the first impression of their personality.
As Dale Carnegie once said, "A person's name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language."
In a professional setting, being called by the wrong name can feel like an indication that you haven’t made a lasting impact. However, would you rather have your name mispronounced or forgotten altogether?
Hollywood celebrities have definitely shaken up traditional naming conventions with their creative and unique choices. From Apple, North West, and Blue Ivy to Saint and Thunder, celebrity kids’ names have become a topic of fascination, often straying far from the expected.
But what happens when someone mispronounces your name? Do you let it slide, or do you address it?
It’s not always easy to bring up a mispronounced name, as it often comes with a sense of awkwardness.
1. Just be frank
The best advice anyone can give is to be open and honest. In a world where honesty isn't always as valued as it should be, it's important to speak up when necessary. If you know you'll be seeing the person again, simply and respectfully let them know that they're pronouncing your name incorrectly.
Chances are, they’ll appreciate your straightforwardness, and you may even find yourself sharing a laugh over it.
2. Offer a tip
If you frequently encounter people mispronouncing your name, take a proactive approach by offering a helpful tip when introducing yourself. This way, you can make sure people know the correct pronunciation from the start.
The Muse's Career Coach shared a story about a client named Julia, whose name wasn’t pronounced as most would assume. Julia initially struggled to address this, feeling uncomfortable, but the reality was that the name people were calling her wasn’t the one she went by.
So they came up with an introduction like this: "Hi, I'm Julia, I'm from Spain, so you pronounce it with an 'H' sound at the beginning, like 'Hulia.'" (If you're still struggling to visualise it, think of names like Julio or Jose.)
3. Keep at it
If it's important to you that people say your name correctly, you should be persistent in making sure they do.
Being assertive doesn't mean being rude or aggressive – it simply means standing up for yourself. If necessary, address the issue as many times as it takes for the person to understand the correct pronunciation and realise its significance to you.
Still unsure whether it’s worth the effort? Consider this: Would you rather have someone mispronounce your name, or resort to calling you "dahling" or "buddy"?
It's a fair question that might help you reflect on how much the proper pronunciation of your name really matters to you.
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