People like to hear their own name-or do they?

[lametiger]

Sociologists tell us that it is a common human trait to respond more favorably when addressed by name than when just being talked at. There is some validity to this, but, speaking for myself, some of the people who try to utilize this technique are cutting their own throats. I don't know whether I am alone in reacting this way, and I would be

Comments

[culturalnomad]

I agree wholeheartedly. I have to want something awfully badly to buy it from a salesman who over-uses the personal name angle. On the other hand, your and my cultural background is different to that of most such sales people and the ones they normally sell to. I'd be curious how people who have lived their whole lives in that American (and specifically Midwestern?) cultural situation feel about it. I have some personal friends who use my name in conversations far more than I really feel comfortable with. They are all Americans -- though the one who comes to mind first is from Virginia, so that may rule out the Midwest angle.