Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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The Value of a Nametag

14 Oct 2014 By: Diane Gottsman

The Value of a Nametag by Diane Gottsman National Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority

Introduce yourself by first and last name.

What’s in a name? Well, actually a great deal. A name is a person’s identity. Saying and remembering someone’s name makes them feel valued. Nametags are invaluable when meeting new people, greeting other’s you haven’t seen in a while, and trying to keep everyone’s name straight.

Here are some reasons to utilize a nametag at your next business function or social event.

Helps others to remember you. When you introduce yourself, your nametag serves as memory reinforcement. The person to whom you are introducing yourself can see your name as well as hear it. Take care that you wear your badge on the right side of your jacket or shirt so that it will be in the direct line of sight for others as you shake hands.

Makes you look more friendly. It takes a lot of courage for most people, especially the introverted types, to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Ease their stress by wearing a nametag. They won’t have to ask for your name in order to begin speaking. A nametag says, “Hello, my name is Risa and I am open to discussion.” You become more approachable when someone can see and use your name.

Is a great conversation starter. When you see someone wearing a nametag, you instantly have a conversation starter.  After the initial introduction, start an exchange with something similar to, “Lyla is such a lovely name – my favorite cousin is named Lyla.” If a person has an interesting name, you can ask about its origin in order to spark a discussion. Nametags eliminate the awkwardness that can sometimes arise because we didn’t hear or listen to the other person when they introduced themselves.

Eliminates any confusion. A nametag can be an indicator that you are part of the planning committee, work for a particular company or are the title sponsor of the event. A nametag does away with the age-old question, “Do you work here?” It also gives others the confidence to approach you for help without feeling awkward about wondering if you are the right person.

 

For more of Diane’s thoughts on etiquette related topics, connect with her on The Huffington Post.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.