woman thinking with hand on face

Nobody wants to say your name wrong...

Is it possible for people to get it right?

  • If people can learn celebrity names they can learn yours.

Where do we start?

  • Decide your name is worth being said correctly

How To Think About The Problem?

man looking annoyed

It might be awkward at first but if someone tries to say your name.... awesome! There is no harm in telling them how to say it correctly.

  • Be positive "That was so close but it is actually....."

In some ways, this is both the first and last step to solving this problem.

Let's look at some steps we can take:

Nice To Meet Me!

Man with stern face asking for you to introduce your self

Introduce yourself the way you want people to introduce you to others.

  • Own it: Say your full name with confidence.

  • Don't rush: Speak at a consistent speed and be clear.

  • Help: Give them tips to say your name correctly, like rhyming words.

Quiz

You introduce yourself as "Maximus Decimus Meridius" and people ask if they can call you Max, Do you have to say "yes"?

Same Name Game

Image of 4 objects: plane, rain, crane and a woman with the text Jane above her spelt : J A I N

If possible come up with easy to remember ways to get the correct pronunciation to stick

  • I am Lasi it rhymes with classy

  • My name is Kamala it's just comma+ la

What About My Resume?

Man correcting people mispronouncing his name

Give people a headstart by adding a fo-net-ick-al (phonetical) guide below your name.

This means writing easy to follow sounds that make up your full name, see examples:

  • Saoirse Ronan: sur -sh-a-sha row-nin

  • Anna Faris: ah-na fair-is

  • Joe Manganiello: jo man-guh-nell-o

  • Domhnall Gleeson: don-null glee-son

  • Gal Gadot: gal ga-dote

  • Amanda Seyfried: ah-man-duh sigh-fred

Sample of phonetics added to a resume:

resume with phonetics listed

Take Action

You are on your way to living in a more inclusive world!

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