Tips For Helping Others Pronounce Your Name Correctly

Gal Godot says, 'I have had my name mispronounced so man y times, I'm no even sure if I'm saying it correctly.'

Nobody wants to say your name wrong...

...but it's possible for people to get it right. If people can learn celebrity names, they can learn yours.

A man explains that he should know how to pronounce 'Saorise' because of actress Saorise Ronan.

Your name is worth being said correctly! You just have to show people how.

It's Ok to Correct Someone

A woman tries to pronounce the Irish name Mairéad as 'My red?'

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

Be positive! Tell them, "That was so close but it's actually pronounced 'Muh-raid...."

Nice to Meet Me!

Alan Rickman looking stern. The text reads, 'I look forward to hearing you introduce yourself. No pressure though.'

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 "Maxence". People ask if they can call you Max. Do you have to say "yes"?

Yes, it's easier for everyone

No, you can choose what people call you

Did you know?

Rumie is a nonprofit community dedicated to making innovative learning free for everyone.

Same Name Game

Image of 4 objects: plane, rain, crane and a woman named Jain with her name written above her.

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

"I'm Lasi. It rhymes with classy.
"My name is Kamala. It's just comma + la."

What About My Resume?

Chiwetel Ejiofor correcting people mispronouncing his name: chew-it-tell edge-e-oh-four.

Give hiring managers 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. Here are some examples of famous people's names:

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:

A resume with phonetics listed for the name Dwarika as do-war-ick-ah

Take Action

A gamer at a competition sits in front of a computer. He points at himself and says, 'That's my name.'

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

The more you say your name and make the correct pronunciation the expectation, people will adapt. It might be annoying at first, but don't give up.

Think about simple ways to get the pronunciation to stick.

Remember to be confident and clear for introductions.