Two people caught me off guard this week.

Both did it with one word.

“Christopher.”

The first was a lady who worked front of house at a hotel in Devon.

I was there celebrating my dad’s birthday.

“Hi, Christopher.”

Such a small thing.

How did she know my name?!

But it changed how I felt in that moment.

Within seconds, somewhere unfamiliar felt a little more like home.

A couple of days later, I was running a charity half marathon in London.

As I passed a stranger, they shouted:

“Come on, Christopher!”

I had no idea who they were.

But hearing my name from the crowd gave me a little lift.

I felt noticed.

Worth a little extra effort.

And all it took was my name.

Unfortunately..

Remembering names is where I also come unstuck.

So I’m trying to get better.

Very much a work in progress, but here’s what I’m practising…

1. Give the introduction your attention.

Those first few seconds matter.

I sometimes catch myself preparing what to say next, or watching something behind them.

Someone says, “Hi, I’m James,” and my brain thinks, what are you up to this weekend!?

So I’m trying to slow down in these key moments.

Look at them in the eye. Listen. Let their name land.

If I miss it, ask them again in that moment and make a mental note.

2. Give the name somewhere to stick.

If I meet a Jayne, I think of a Jayne I already know.

Perhaps they have the same hair colour or a similar smile.

Or you remember something they like.

A small connection gives me something to reach for next time.

That is Jayne because of (X) and they like (Y).

3. Use it naturally.

Hannah at the hotel in Devon did this beautifully..

My name appeared here and there, gently woven into the conversation.

Instead of…”Enjoy your beer.”

“Enjoy your beer, Christopher.”

A tiny addition. But it makes the thank-you feel personal/ more special.

4. If you forget, ask again.

“Sorry, could you remind me of your name?”

Totally fine.

However, what I am trying to retire is my usual line:

“I’m terrible with names.”

This just screams - I wasn’t listening or I do not care enough.

We often think making someone feel special takes a grand gesture.

But some of the loveliest moments of my week came from people simply saying my name.

Dale Carnegie captured it beautifully in How to Win Friends and Influence People:

“Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

Have a great week ahead

Kia kaha & Love

Chris Xx