Say My Name

[DantesInferno]

I was having a conversation one evening with a close friend, when she mentioned my name in the middle of a sentence. Now, normally having my name spoken to me does not strike me in any particular fashion. However, that particular evening, hearing my name spoken opened up a lengthy discussion on the signficance of calling another by their name, despite the level of familiarity with the person you're holding conversation with. The argument was made that speaking someone's name is much like reaffirming their existence.

When a person's name goes unspoken, it's almost as if speaking to an anonymous individual, devoid of personality. We use names to recognize individuals on the basis of said personality. Personality and unique mannerisms contribute to the significance of nicknames.

In conversation lately, I've been attempting to use a person's name in an appropriate context. I've noticed that addressing an individual by their first name, or even a nickname, with special significance, encourages further conversation and evokes a sense of personal connection. I suppose that in some regards, I do support the above arguement that having your name said reaffirms your existence. I know I personally enjoy being called "Jenny" occasionally. And we all know men appreciate having their names called out in the middle of sex. (Sorry, just had to get that one in).

Any thoughts on this?

[tazdev]

HMMMM you got me thinking Jenny. It is not often in general conversation that I use peoples names I guess I just assume they know I'm talking to them.

I might try slipping peoples names into converstions and gauge how people react. I am guessing that most people will seem shocked/ confused when you use their name in general conversation.

Si.

[ragt20]

stoppit you're tire my brain out..........too much thinking ....

[Setanta]

I tend to use names... but that's part of my job - positive reinforcement. Learning over 140 names is a bitch though

Interesting.

I have messed up before and called a girl the wrong name. NOW THAT my friend is when the real discussion on names starts. Especially when one girl hates the other.

[SickLude]

Originally posted by Sham365
I have messed up before and called a girl the wrong name. NOW THAT my friend is when the real discussion on names starts. Especially when one girl hates the other.

nice...

Ive actually thought about this also and have tried to remember to say the name within a couple of sentences. It works too, it grabs the other persons attention when your talking. I think for 2 reasons. One: Were just simply not used to be called by our names anymore. and Two: When we were young, our parents did this, and our immediate reaction was fear. You know, when they say your whole name. "Bill George Smith, get your ass in here!"....so I think people respond, or at least pay greater attention when they're name is said in the middle of a conversation.

[MaFi0s0]

calling someone by there full name is a BIG cliche

although mentioning there 1st name in the middle of a conversation is ment to get there attention before you say something important

for example, one of my good friends calls me by a shortened version of my name i call him by his nickname ALL the time, no matter what even if were argueing, only time we use our proper names is when were down.

this other person i know is named ross, i call him rosco, but when im serious i call him ross.

"rosco bro you got spare ciggy"

"ROSS (pause until he looks at me) gimme back my ciggy man you said 1 draw not 3.


if you always say someons name before a sentance you will just overuse it, "thats my name dont wear it out" cause then people will just either stop responding to there name when you call them, or not see it as such a big deal.

[taranaki]

Well(insert your name here),I find that there are very few occasions when I am comfortable with people using my name in conversation. Salespeople who have read too much Dale Carnegie tend to try it,resulting in an instinctive blocking of their message.My wife will use it if we have company,or if I am in serious trouble,and my mother still uses it when I ring up to listen to her,but thankfully I have enough nicknames,handles and A.K.A.'s that MY NAME REMAINS MY OWN.I only use my proper name for business transactions and a trusted few friends.


It seems strange that when I was young,everybody was known by their surname and your christian name was a personal possesion,but these days the exact reverse applies.....

[Moppie]

Say my name Bitch! :frog:

[Gonthrax]

Yet another brain teaser by way of Jenny

Come to think of it, the only time me or my long time friends use names is when trying to get someone's attention. But at work we use first names all the time in an attempt to make things more personal between staff. But even though both situations are so much different, I never put any thought into either one. Its like when I put on my tie, I start using names, when I take it of I stop