“Respect unusual names by saying them…” This simple advice from Dale Carnegie is a masterclass in human connection, turning a common social anxiety into a genuine superpower.
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Meaning
It’s about transforming a potential social stumble into a moment of profound respect. It’s not just about pronunciation; it’s about the attitude you bring to it.
Explanation
Let me tell you, this is where the magic happens. Most people, when they hear a name they’re not familiar with, they get nervous. They mumble it, avoid it, or worse, just give up and call you “hey you.” Carnegie is telling us to flip the script. “Saying them well” is the technical skill—it’s the active listening, the asking for clarification, the repeating it back until you get it right. It shows you care enough to get it right.
But “saying them gladly”? That’s the emotional intelligence. That’s the smile, the eye contact, the genuine delight in engaging with something unique to that person. You’re not just tolerating their name; you’re celebrating it. And people feel that, man. They feel seen. They feel valued on a fundamental level. It’s one of the fastest ways to build rapport I’ve ever seen.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wisdom (385) |
| Topics | diversity (6), respect (76) |
| Literary Style | plain (102) |
| Emotion / Mood | uplifting (157) |
| Overall Quote Score | 68 (19) |
Origin & Factcheck
This comes straight from Carnegie’s How to Remember Names, which is a bit of a lesser-known companion piece to his classic How to Win Friends and Influence People. The core principle is pure Carnegie, distilled from his famous courses on public speaking and interpersonal skills that he was running in the United States, particularly New York, throughout the early to mid-20th century. You won’t find this attributed to anyone else because it’s classic, foundational Carnegie.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dale Carnegie (408) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Remember Names (30) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (530) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dale Carnegie(1888), an American writer received worldwide recognition for his influential books on relationship, leadership, and public speaking. His books and courses focus on human relations, and self confidence as the foundation for success. Among his timeless classics, the Dale Carnegie book list includes How to Win Friends and Influence People is the most influential which inspires millions even today for professional growth.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Respect unusual names by saying them well and saying them gladly |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: circa 1956 (course booklet) ISBN/Unique Identifier: Unknown Last edition. Number of pages: Common reprints ~32–48 pages (varies by printing) |
| Where is it? | Section Honor Every Name, Unverified – Edition 1956, page range ~38–40 |