We should be aware of the magic contained in a name and realize that this single item is wholly and completely owned by the person with who we are dealing… – Dale Carnegie

what’s in a name?

Everything! How does it sound when someone calls our name, and that too sweetly? It sounds divine even when we don’t consciously realize it! This then is a simple way to endear self to others: Remember names and use them profusely!

life principles

6th Dale Carnegie Principle: Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.

Here’s a story from the book:

Napoleon the Third, Emperor of France and nephew of the great Napoleon, boasted that in spite of all his royal duties he could remember the name of every person he met.

His technique? Simple. If he didn’t hear the name distinctly, he said, “So sorry. I didn’t get the name clearly.” Then, if it was an unusual name, he would say, “How is it spelled?”

During the conversation, he took the trouble to repeat the name several times, and tried to associate it in his mind with the person’s features, expression and general appearance.

If the person was someone of importance, Napoleon went to even further pains. As soon as His Royal Highness was alone, he wrote the name down on a piece of paper, looked at it, concentrated on it, fixed it securely in his mind, and then tore up the paper. In this way, he gained an eye impression of the name as well as an ear impression.

Daily Affirmation: Today I name names!

Recommendation: How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie