Adding a Personal Touch

Have you ever considered the importance of your name or the influence it can have on you? How would you feel if someone didn’t address you by your name? I’d like to share an interesting insight about how using names can enhance communication, making it more effective and personal.

Sometimes, we receive emails that begin with just 'Hi' or 'Hello,' without mentioning the recipient's name. While not necessarily intentional, this can feel less personal compared to messages that include your name.

I used to visit a coffee shop in our building, where a young lady makes the coffee. She always seemed calm yet was good at interacting with customers. One day, I asked her name, and she told me it was Rose. The next morning, I greeted her by name, saying, 'Hello Rose, how are you today?' To my surprise, her face lit up with happiness. She even glanced at my card and started addressing me by my name. Now, whenever I visit, she greets me with a bright smile, has a pleasant conversation, and even prepares my usual order in advance.

During my recent holiday in Langkawi, I had to share feedback with the hotel manager about a lack of transparency regarding event bookings. When we checked in, we were informed that the event was fully booked, which was disappointing, especially as it happened on our very first day at the hotel. The manager, however, handled the situation with exceptional professionalism. He listened attentively to my concerns, acknowledged my disappointment, and assured me he would do his best to accommodate our request.

The next morning at breakfast, he went a step further. He approached me personally, greeted me by name, and used my name consistently throughout our conversation. This simple gesture immediately added a personal touch and made me feel valued as a guest. During our chat, he not only provided updates but also spoke about Langkawi, its culture, and its people, turning what started as a complaint into an engaging and meaningful interaction. His ability to empathize, coupled with the use of personalization, left a lasting impression. While I understand this is part of their role, such thoughtful efforts are key to building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and maintaining strong customer relationships.

Have you noticed a change on Facebook? Birthday notifications used to include various versions of 'Happy Birthday' wishes, but now they default to a message that includes the recipient's name - and it’s brilliant! Receiving wishes with your name feels much more personal and meaningful compared to generic ones.

Addressing someone by their name definitely adds a personal touch, showing that the sender has made an effort to acknowledge the recipient. This makes the message feel more genuine and thoughtful. It also helps foster respect and engagement, which are often essential for building strong professional or personal relationships.

As Dale Carnegie famously said in his book How to Win Friends and Influence People: "One of the sweetest sounds to a person is their own name." A simple act like using someone’s name can leave a lasting impression and transform interactions.

Try it the next time, and experience the difference for yourself!