Pronunciation

[SME]

What do you do when you get a lead with a name that you are not sure how to pronunciate?

1. Hope they say thier name on the answering machine.
2. Try to say it correctly, and apologize for being wrong.
3. Use their last name, when possible.

Any ideas?

 

[J.R.]

What do you do when you get a lead with a name that you are not sure how to pronunciate?

1. Hope they say thier name on the answering machine.
2. Try to say it correctly, and apologize for being wrong.
3. Use their last name, when possible.

Any ideas?

I fall back to the military days. If I cannot pronouce the name I use Sir or Ma'am. Most people will either not acknowledge you or they will say Call me (insert 2-5 syllable name here).

Gotcha, now i know how to say the name..

 

[somarco]

I usually start by saying "You have a really unusual name I have never seen before. Do you mind if I ask how it is pronounced"?

Of course if I get voice mail and no name is given, I just do my best not to butcher the name and then immediately apologize by asking forgiveness if I mispronounced.

It would certainly make my life easier if everyone were named Bob & Mary.