Dear Readers,
Have you ever met someone new and instantly shortened their name - thinking it made things friendlier? Maybe you called Alexander “Alex” or Catherine “Kate” without a second thought.
While it may seem like a harmless way to build rapport, this small misstep can actually work against you.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NAME ETIQUETTE
A person’s name is a key part of their identity, and how they introduce themselves is how they want to be addressed - at least initially. If someone says, “Hi, I’m Elizabeth,” you should mirror that and not assume she prefers “Liz” or “Beth.” The same goes for names like Charles (not automatically Charlie) or Victoria (not automatically Vicky).
Jumping to a nickname too soon can cross invisible boundaries. It may come off as overly familiar, unprofessional, or even disrespectful - especially in formal settings. Instead of making the other person feel comfortable, you might create the opposite effect, making them feel uneasy or even irritated.
WHEN CAN YOU USE A NICKNAME?
The safest rule? Wait for the person to offer a shorter version of their name or explicitly say, “You can call me [nickname].” Until then, stick to what they introduced themselves as.
WHY THIS MATTERS
First impressions count. Whether you're networking, meeting a client, or socialising at an event, showing respect for someone’s name signals emotional intelligence and good manners.
So next time you meet Gabriella, Benjamin, or Isabelle - resist the urge to shorten their name… at least in the beginning, and let them lead the way.
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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