why is it important that you know what people prefer to be called?

Answer 1

Then it becomes more personal.

Answer 2

That way you don't offend them by saying the wrong thing. I'll give you an example:

Americans tend to say "England a lot when taling to someone from the United Kingdom (I suppose its because there is a lot of English people more than the other countries) now, I don't like being called "English" I much prefer being called British and my nation Britain, after all, we won the Battle of Britain, it wasn't the Battle of England, was it? we now have a British army, we haven't had an English army since King James of Scotland was on the throne! That is why its important to ask someone what they prefer to be called before you speak

Answer 3

People are often called different names according to their intimacy level with the other person. If they are connected on a more professional level they might use their whole name, and with friends an abbreviation. It's just a way of indicating relationship status I think. I know for me it sounds strange to hear someone I barely know abbreviate my name as if we've known each other our whole lives. It's a comfort thing. Also, a lot of parents these days (I can't understand why) choose to name their kids one name and use an entirely different name when they talk to their child....for example, I read the recent births in a local newspaper and three of the babies had a first, middle and last name...and the name the parents were actually going to use in quotation marks....a little early to give the kid a nickname don't ya think? lol ok I'm rambling....bye

Answer 4

Think about it this way -- how would YOU feel if someone kept calling you some name that wasn't really your name or wasn't a name you like to be called? What impression does it give you about that person? A little empathy will help you answer your own question.

Dale Carnegie said, "Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language."

Answer 5

sometimes a first name is embarrassing to the person for some reason; they could be totally turned off to you if you use the wrong name; also, using a person's preferred name shows that you care enough to take their preferences and feelings into consideration; all important in establishing rapport with someone

Answer 6

There is nothing people like to hear more than the sound of their own name, and very little annoys them more than if you mispronounce that name or call them by a name that they dislike.

I once knew a man who lost a very good job for punching the boss in the nose after he'd called him 'Mickey' one too many times instead of Michael.

Answer 7

Respect. The older generation are uncomfortable with being called by their forename without permission. The younger generation take it for granted that they can call you Bob, Sandra, Mike etc without permission. Ask the person concerned how they would like to be addressed and respect their wishes. They in turn will respect you and yours.

Answer 8

It gives that someone a sense of being, than to be called with something they personally don't like. Other people are even too specific to be particular with their name spelling. Somehow should give them the identity they prefer.

Answer 9

To call people by their chosen name shows you care about them as individuals and respect their wishes to be who they prefer to be. It is common decency and establishes yourself as a considerate and caring human being. It also opens the way to becoming friends with the said person which may in turn enhance and enrich your own life.

Answer 10

Because it is important to be polite. Also people are more apt to think positively about you if you call them by their preferred name, and are therefore more likely to be willing to do what you want them to do.

Answer 11

This is just common courtesy, more so if such people have strong cultural roots. No one responds properly unless correctly addressed and this is especially important in eastern societies.