The Power of a Name (And Why I Work So Hard to Remember Yours)
I’m going to be honest.
I am not naturally great with names.
I wish I were. I admire the people who can meet someone once and remember not just their name, but their spouse’s name, their dog’s name, and what they ordered for lunch.
That is not my gift.
But I have learned something important:
Remembering someone’s name is not about memory.
It’s about care.
And care can be practiced.
A Small Moment That Meant Something
Recently, an IT technician called to help with updates.
He introduced himself. “Hi, this is Todd.”
As he said it, I repeated it back: “Hi Todd, thank you for calling.”
Not dramatically. Not performatively. Just intentionally.
At the end of the call, I said, “Thank you so much for your help, Todd.”
It took no extra time. No extra effort.
But I could hear the difference in his tone.
Being named matters.
Especially in roles where people are often treated like a transaction.
Names Are Identity
When we spell someone’s name correctly, pronounce it correctly, or remember it in a follow-up email, we’re communicating something deeper:
“I see you.”
In communications work, we talk a lot about audience. Target demographics. Stakeholders.
But before someone is an audience, they are a person.
And people want to feel recognized.
My Tricks for Remembering Names
Since it doesn’t come naturally to me, I use tools.
Sometimes it’s visual association:
“Red Ryan” if Ryan is wearing red.
“Glasses Grace.”
“Tall Tyler.”
Sometimes it’s repetition:
Say their name immediately after they introduce themselves.
Use it once mid-conversation.
Use it again when you close.
Sometimes it’s writing it down right away in my notes.
It’s not about being perfect. Trust me, I still struggle! It’s about being intentional.
Why It Matters in Communication
As communicators, we care about tone, messaging, branding, alignment, strategy.
But some of the most powerful communication moments are small.
Correctly spelling someone’s name in an email.
Addressing them directly.
Following up with, “It was great meeting you, Maria.”
These are not grand gestures.
They’re signals of respect.
And respect builds trust.
Trust builds relationship.
Relationship builds impact.
It’s Worth the Extra Effort
Even if remembering names doesn’t come easily, we can decide that it matters enough to try.
That IT technician may not remember every technical detail of that call.
But I hope he remembers that someone remembered him.
And that’s the kind of communicator I want to be.