Manuela’s column: What’s in a name?

So today, just before Valentine’s Day, I would like to write about the sound of someone’s name. We have no choice over what name we were christened with, but we do have control of how it is used during our lifetime, and hopefully long after we have passed too.

A good example is Captain Sir Tom Moore’s. His name will be revered for many generations to come. The way we refer to someone conclusively indicates how we view them. No other noun in our vocabulary reveals so much about us, as when we use a person’s name.

Was it said in a reverential and respectful way? Did it indicate your affection, admiration or even your love for that person? Did you use a scornful tone, possibly revealing your dislike or envy of them? Did you consciously use a disparaging one, exposing your contempt in a passive aggressive manner?

To speak in a noncommittal way takes practice, and is a gift bestowed only on those rare individuals with benevolent natures.

As an attitude of gratitude campaigner, I use people’s names to ensure I write about them in my blogs and social media – Twitter and Facebook.

There are literally hundreds of opportunities to promote every day, simply by the way we speak about them and the intonation in our voice when doing so.

Conversely, in the case of businesses, you can inadvertently destroy someone’s reputation and goodwill just by the way you comment. Whereas sincere praise, when freely given, can enhance uplift, giving everyone concerned a vaccination of positivity.

Which leads me organically to my last thoughts for this week?

Over the years on social media sites, I have succumbed to the more modern culture of using pseudonyms. However, it occurred to me that I’m not maximising the potential to help others through my column, if I don’t use the very name associated with the campaign I represent.

This is why words spoken or written are valued more by those that know me simply because, when I say I will do something, I do.

My word is quite literally my bond.